Biden-Harris Administration Allocates Unprecedented $3 Billion for Sustainable Farming Practices Under the Investing in America Agenda

By Better Today On Sep 28, 2023

TL/DR –

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making over $3 billion available in fiscal year 2024 for agricultural producers and forest landowners to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices. The funding is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and his Inflation Reduction Act, which invests an additional $19.5 billion in USDA’s conservation programs. Producers can apply for these funds to implement practices such as cover cropping, conservation tillage, wetland restoration, prescribed grazing, nutrient management, and tree planting, among others.

Agricultural Producers Eligible for Record High Conservation Assistance in Fiscal Year 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering over $3 billion in funding to agricultural producers and forest landowners for voluntary climate-smart conservation programs in fiscal year 2024. This is a part of President Biden’s Investing in America initiative and coincides with the first-ever White House Climate Resilience Summit.

The funding comes from President Biden’sInflation Reduction Act, a significant climate and conservation investment. The Act provides an additional $19.5 billion for USDA’s conservation programs, ensuring benefits for disadvantaged communities. Following the USDA announcement of record producer interest in these resources in fiscal year 2023, applications are now open for 2024.

“This funding will meet demand for our oversubscribed programs, maximize climate benefits across the country, and provide other environmental benefits while addressing natural resource challenges,” stated Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The Secretary explained the funding would allow for the implementation of practices like cover crops, waste and fertilizer management, and grazing practices.

The funding will assist numerous farmers and ranchers in applying conservation to millions of acres of land. The conservation practices will benefit the climate, environment, and provide financial and technical assistance for producers.

Applications for fiscal year 2024 conservation assistance are now open. In the event of a lapse in government funding, NRCS will notify producers when staff are available to assist.

What’s New

Expansion of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Activities supported by the Inflation Reduction Act:

The NRCS is increasing Climate-Smart Agricultural and Forestry Mitigation Activities eligible for funding in fiscal year 2024 through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). For more information, check the list of practices and fact sheet.

Expansion of priorities for the ACEP investments through the Inflation Reduction Act:

The priorities for the Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (ACEP) easements in fiscal year 2024 have been expanded to include grasslands at high risk, agricultural lands under threat, and state-specific priorities.

Background

The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated additional funds for EQIP, CSP, ACEP, and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for fiscal year 2024.

How to Apply

Producers interested in applying for this funding through EQIP or CSP should apply by their state’s ranking dates. For ACEP Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE), applications must be submitted by Nov. 13, 2023. The next RCPP funding opportunity will be available in late January 2024. Producers can contact the local USDA Service Center for more information.

The USDA continues to support American citizens through the promotion of resilient local and regional food production, fair markets, clean energy, and a commitment to equity. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.