USDA Latest News: Allocates $1.5 Billion for Climate Solutions in Agriculture

Key Takeaways:

• USDA announces a $1.5 billion funding initiative under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for 2024.
• The program seeks to empower farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners with conservation strategies addressing climate change.
• This initiative aligns with President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, with support from the Inflation Reduction Act.
• Opportunities include RCPP Classic and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA), with a notable $100 million earmarked for Tribal-led projects.
• The initiative prioritizes climate-smart agriculture, urban agriculture, conservation, and environmental justice, supporting the Justice40 Initiative and America the Beautiful initiative.

USDA’s Historic Investment in Conservation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a significant funding package aimed at bolstering conservation efforts and climate resilience within the agricultural sector. A total of $1.5 billion is designated for the fiscal year 2024 through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. This move is part of a broader agenda to integrate climate solutions within the fabric of American agriculture, underpinning President Biden’s Investing in America initiative.

Strategic Funding Directions

The funding initiative, bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act, marks a strategic enhancement of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) efforts to support conservation through the RCPP. “We had unprecedented demand for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program last year, showing the robust interest in conservation from farmers and ranchers,” Vilsack stated. This year’s increased funding aims to expand the program’s reach and efficacy across various agricultural landscapes.

The RCPP is split into two main funding paths: RCPP Classic and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA), with RCPP Classic focusing on traditional contracts and easements, and RCPP AFA targeting innovative conservation approaches through direct partnership with agricultural producers.

Prioritizing Equity and Environmental Justice

In line with the Biden administration’s commitment to environmental justice and equitable access to climate investments, the RCPP has earmarked $100 million specifically for Tribal-led projects. This approach aligns with the Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that 40 percent of the overall benefits of federal climate investments flow to disadvantaged communities. “This funding advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution,” according to the USDA.

USDA Latest News

Invites Applications for Urban Agriculture & Innovative Production Grants (2024/03/25)

The USDA is accepting applications for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production grants until April 9, 2024. These grants support urban farming and gardening efforts and are open to local and Tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions. The UAIP supports Planning Projects and Implementation Projects, which aim to improve food access, education, and launch new agricultural ventures. The program has funded more than 186 diverse projects, worth over $46.8 million since its inception in 2020. For more information and to apply, visit usda.gov/urban or farmers.gov/urban.

Allocates $145M to Link Forest Landowners with Climate Markets (2024/03/18)

The USDA Forest Service invests $145 million to integrate forest landowners into emerging climate markets. The funding will remove previous barriers and provide access to climate markets for small-acreage and underserved private forest owners. $116 million is allocated to 20 Forest Landowner Support projects, aiming for equitable access to climate markets. Additionally, $29 million is made available to states and territories to develop technical assistance programs that connect underserved landowners with the tools and resources needed to participate in climate-smart forestry practices.

Unveils Plan to Strengthen Biomass Supply Chain for the Bioeconomy (2024/03/15)

The USDA has revealed a plan to strengthen the biomass supply chain in the US and boost the bioeconomy. The initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability, create new revenue streams, and expand market opportunities particularly in rural areas. The plan, titled “Building a Resilient Biomass Supply: A Plan to Enable the Bioeconomy in America,” outlines a roadmap to enhance production and preprocessing systems, offering incentives to both producers and manufacturers. The USDA’s strategy supports a circular bioeconomy, ensuring sustainable resource utilization and economic benefits for rural communities.

USDA allocates $138 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to fund 138 (2024/03/14)

The USDA has committed $138 million to develop 138 new climate-smart conservation easements. The investment encourages farmers to conserve wetlands, grasslands, and prime farmlands and aligns with the President’s Investing in America agenda. The NRCS has broadened its priorities within the ACEP to enable a larger number of producers to implement climate-smart systems. The investment also supports the President’s America the Beautiful initiative, which champions voluntary, locally-led, producer-driven conservation efforts nationwide. The NRCS has chosen projects across several states that address specific environmental threats and opportunities for carbon sequestration. The total investment from the Inflation Reduction Act allocated for climate-smart agriculture and forestry activities is $19.5 billion, including $1.4 billion for ACEP.

Announces New Measures to Strengthen “Product of USA” Labeling (2024/03/12)

The USDA finalized a rule to align the “Product of USA” label with consumer understanding. The rule mandates that meat, poultry, and egg products can only carry the label if derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States. The USDA also awards $9.5 million to 42 projects through the Local Meat Capacity grant program to expand processing options for the meat and poultry industry. Additionally, the USDA is taking steps to ensure transparency and a fair and competitive market in the U.S. seed industry through its Farmer Seed Liaison Initiative.

The RAISE Initiative (2024/02/27)

The RAISE initiative is a collaborative effort between the USDA and DOE to promote renewable energy in the agricultural sector. It aims to facilitate the adoption of smaller-scale wind projects and reduce dependency on traditional energy sources, thus promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability in rural America. With a financial backbone of $144 million in grant funding, the initiative supports 400 farmers and provides comprehensive support through technical assistance, financial aid, and educational resources.

Agriculture Secretary Emphasizes Need for Diverse Income Streams (2024/02/19)

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the need for policies supporting small and mid-sized farms. The Biden-Harris Administration is working to grow independent meat and poultry processing capacity, bolster local and regional food systems, and create new revenue streams. In 2022, there were 1.9 million farms in the US, down 7% from 2017, and family-owned farms accounted for 95% of all farms. Vilsack’s message is a call to action to choose a newer model that creates more opportunities for farmers.

New Initiative Trains Next Gen of Climate and Conservation Leaders (2024/02/13)

The Working Lands Climate Corps is a program launched by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of President Biden’s American Climate Corps initiative. The program aims to equip young Americans with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle climate challenges in rural settings, promoting climate-smart agriculture solutions and economic benefits for farmers and ranchers. By partnering with AmeriCorps, The Corps Network, and the NACD, the USDA is providing training and career development opportunities in conservation and climate resilience. Over 100 young individuals in the initial cohort will gain hands-on experience nationwide, creating a skilled workforce in climate-smart agriculture for generations to come.

Over $345M To Bolser Food Supply Chain & Protect Plants (2024/02/08)

The USDA is investing over $345 million to enhance food supply chain resilience and protect agricultural and natural resources, with more than $270 million allocated to the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program for supply chain improvements. Over $75 million is dedicated to combating invasive species, including more than $5 million for Florida’s agriculture protection. Nationwide, 374 projects across the U.S. and its territories are funded to strengthen defenses against invasive plants and pests, highlighting the USDA’s commitment to agricultural diversity and ecological integrity

$2.9M Allocated To Washington State (2024/02/07)

The USDA is providing over $2.9 million to Washington as part of a $70 million initiative to protect the country’s agricultural economy from invasive pests and diseases. The funding will be directed towards various projects, including combatting the northern giant hornet and surveying for invasive moths and grape pests. These projects aim to enhance plant health protection activities in Washington and maintain the strength of the nation’s agricultural economy.

Investments to Boost US Specialty Crops Industry (2024/01/30)

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently announced two significant investments worth $65 million and $72.9 million respectively. These initiatives aim to support the US specialty crops industry by boosting its global exports and funding innovative projects that enhance its competitiveness. The USDA’s Specialty Crop Competitiveness Initiative also focuses on supporting U.S. specialty crops in both domestic and international markets. The Assisting Specialty Crop Exports initiative is funded through a set-aside from USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program and aims to address unique barriers to specialty crop exports. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will provide grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Applications are to be submitted electronically by May 2, 2024.

Invests $207M in Renewable Energy & Domestic Fertilizer Projects (2024/01/23)

The USDA has announced a $207 million investment in renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects to lower energy bills, create jobs, and enhance competition for U.S. agricultural producers. The funding, partly from the Inflation Reduction Act, includes installing solar arrays and energy-efficient systems in various states. The Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP) investments include building automated fertilizer facilities and anaerobic digestion plants. These initiatives aim to address climate change, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen domestic fertilizer production.

Announces New Organic Animal Welfare Standards (2023/10/26)

The USDA has finalized new Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) which clarify outdoor access requirements for organic poultry and set standards for living conditions, healthcare, transportation, and slaughter practices. The new standards received 89% public support and have been welcomed by the Organic Trade Association and organic producers as a significant improvement.

USDA Contracts AmplifiedAg For Vertical Farming Research Labs (2023/09/18)

AmplifiedAg is supplying vertical farming research labs, known as AmpLAB, to the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) for CEA vegetable production research in Fort Pierce, Florida. The labs are equipped with hydroponic propagation stations, NFT channels, environmental control systems, and farm software. AmplifiedAg has previously supplied 16 AmpLABs to the USDA-ARS U.S. Vegetable Research Lab in Charleston, South Carolina.

USDA Announces New Partnerships to Boost Plant & Animal Health in Africa (2023/09/08)

USDA’s Jenny Lester Moffitt announced partnerships at Tanzania’s Africa Food Systems Forum. The USDA is collaborating with WOAH to improve African animal health infrastructure. The USDA also partners with FAO and the African Union to launch the Africa Phytosanitary Program with an initial investment of $750,000 for a pilot phase in 11 countries.

Following Flooding In The Northeast, USDA Offers Disaster Program Flexibilities (2023/08/15)

The USDA is supporting Northeast agricultural operations affected by floods. The FSA and RMA have introduced policy flexibilities for disaster assistance programs and crop insurance. These measures aim to provide financial relief, extend deadlines, and offer alternative resources to those in need. The FSA has extended its policy exceptions to all flood-affected counties across nine states. The RMA has authorized crop insurance companies to apply flexibilities in reporting requirements and the claims process for those impacted by the floods in seven states.

USDA Announces Additional Financial Assistance for Distressed Farm Loan Borrowers (2023/08/14)

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Joins in Launching New Plant Sciences Building (2023/08/02)

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Major Investments in Urban Agriculture and Healthy Food Initiatives (2023/07/23)

The USDA has announced several investments to strengthen the food system, increase market access for producers, and enhance consumers’ access to locally grown foods. These investments include establishing new Urban Service Centers and urban county committees, expanding the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, and investing in partnerships with community-based organizations to support Urban Service Centers and urban county committees. The initiatives aim to improve local food systems’ supply chain resiliency, enhance urban farms’ sustainability and long-term viability, and support farmers and producers in their local and regional communities.

USDA to Invest $300 Million in Enhancing Greenhouse Gas Tracking in Agriculture and Forestry (2023/07/12)

The USDA is investing $300 million to improve tracking of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration in agriculture and forestry as part of President Biden’s climate-smart initiative. The funds are made available by the Inflation Reduction Act. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the importance of enhancing the scientific foundations of these programs. The USDA has outlined seven focal areas to achieve its objectives, including advancing research networks for soil carbon and greenhouse gas, expanding data management, and improving conservation practice standards. A webinar is planned on July 21, 2023, for interested stakeholders and technical experts to learn more about the effort.

USDA’s Historic $262.5M Investment Fosters Diverse Next-Gen Agricultural Leaders (2023/06/22)

The USDA has invested $262.5 million to train future agricultural professionals through its NextGen program. This initiative specifically targets Minority-serving Institutions to enhance diversity in the agricultural workforce and support President Biden’s commitment to building a clean energy economy and strengthening American supply chains. The program will benefit over 20,000 future leaders in food and agriculture through 33 project partners and will incorporate tracking and reporting benefits via partnerships with the Intercultural Development Research Association and new public dashboards.

USDA Has Introduced The Delta Regional Food Business Center in Jackson, Mississippi (2023/05/15)

The USDA has launched the Delta Regional Food Business Center in Mississippi to strengthen the food supply chain in the region. The center will work with universities, local organizations, and CDFIs to increase local food production and promote local food systems’ resilience. The USDA allocated $400 million in funding to the initiative and selected 12 organizations to lead efforts nationwide. The Delta Center aims to increase local food production to 2% of all food imported into the region, potentially boosting the regional income by over $100 million annually. The USDA’s RFSI program received a $420 million investment to transform the food system and foster economic opportunities for consumers, producers, and rural communities.

$420M On Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (2023/05/04)

The USDA has opened 12 Regional Food Business Centers to help farmers and food businesses access new markets. These centers aim to provide technical assistance and capacity building along with national coordination to address challenges in the food and agriculture sector. The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) will support innovative projects to improve processing and distribution capacity in the food industry. The RFSI is backed by a $420 million budget and forms part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting economic opportunities and creating a diversified, resilient food system.

USDA’s Latest $59 Million Investment In Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiatives (2023/04/07)

Via its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled a $40 million investment in 31 new projects to bring together partners to create cutting-edge methods for climate-smart agriculture. Also, the USDA has created two new formal partnerships to advance the adoption of nutrient management and is spending $19 million on two nutrient management initiatives sponsored by the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). These programs are consistent with President Biden’s Investing in America plan, which aims to revive the economy from the middle out and from the bottom up while also sparking a Made in America innovation boom.

New USDA Program To Build Drought Resilience (2023/02/14)

The USDA recently announced new investments and strategies to help farmers and ranchers in the West conserve water, address climate change, and build drought resilience. The Western Water and Working Lands Framework for Conservation Action is a comprehensive strategy under the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to address water and land management challenges across 17 Western States. This strategy is designed to combat six central water and land management challenges threatening the region’s water supply.

New Funds Bring USDA Climate-Smart Commodities At USD 3.1 Bn (2022/12/15)

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a $325 million investment for 71 projects as part of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative. The initiative aims to expand market opportunities for American producers of climate-smart goods and received over 1,000 applications requesting over $20 billion in financing. The 141 chosen projects aim to match about 50% of government investment with non-federal revenues.

Invests USD 14.2M in 52 Urban Agriculture & Innovative Production Efforts (2022/11/02)

The USDA is investing $14.2 million in 52 grants to promote urban agriculture and innovative production. The investment aims to improve access to nutritious food, create jobs, raise climate change awareness, and promote green spaces in urban areas. The grants are part of the USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production and support activities ranging from improving food access to supporting new farmer start-ups. The projects are spread across 27 states and are part of the USDA’s significant investment in urban agriculture.

USDA Grants $43 Million for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (2022/06/03)

The USDA is investing $43.1 million in grants and cooperative agreements to support urban agriculture, expand composting efforts, and facilitate farm loans. The investment is part of the USDA’s Food System Transformation Framework, aiming to build a resilient and fair food system while improving access to nutritious food.

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