The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California has announced that it is seeking proposals for cooperative and contribution agreements until June 3, 2023, as part of its ongoing efforts to implement conservation projects across the state. This call for applications is open to outreach and conservation organizations interested in collaborating with NRCS to further its conservation mission.
Carlos Suarez, NRCS State Conservationist, stated that the agency is committed to expanding its conservation efforts throughout California’s communities. He emphasized that partnering with external organizations is a valuable tool to help the agency achieve more conservation projects on the ground, ultimately benefiting farmers, ranchers, and the environment by protecting vital natural resources like clean air and water.
Each agreement opportunity offers $1 million in available funding, with varying requirements:
1. Cooperative Agreements: No funding match is required, with a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $75,000. Interested parties can apply under Grants.gov, number USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001281.
2. Contribution Agreements: Requires a 1:1 funding match, with a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $150,000. This opportunity will be posted shortly on Grants.gov under the number USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282, with an application period of approximately 30 days.
Proposals should focus on enhancing the resiliency of California agriculture by addressing climate-smart agriculture and prioritizing six target resource concerns: plant productivity and forest health, air quality, water quality, water quantity, soil health/soil quality, and wildlife habitat.
Priority will be given to projects that offer direct technical assistance to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service staff in implementing Farm Bill conservation programs. In addition, the California NRCS will continue to prioritize partnerships with Tribes, urban producers, and organizations representing historically underserved sectors of the farming, ranching, and forestry communities.
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