By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for Climate-Friendly Agricultural Practices incentive payments to help farmers and landowners adopt sustainable farming methods across the state. The program supports agricultural practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving soil health and water quality.
The Climate-Friendly Agricultural Practices program, also known as CFAP, offers payments of up to $10,000 for approved conservation projects. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with approximately $1.2 million allocated for this year’s program.
Eligible conservation practices include conservation cover, pasture and hay planting, conservation crop rotation, and tree and shrub establishment. These practices are designed to support long-term environmental sustainability while helping producers improve land management.
The payments are offered through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. This program that recognizes farmers who use conservation methods proven to protect water quality and natural resources throughout Minnesota.
Applicants do not need to be certified through the program to qualify for funding. However, producers who are already certified, assessed, or working toward certification through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program can receive a higher payment rate.
Certified participants are eligible to receive 75% of the assumed scenario cost established by the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Applicants who are not certified may receive 60% of the assumed scenario cost.
Farmers and landowners interested in becoming certified are encouraged to contact a local area certification specialist for guidance. Information about certification specialists is available on the MAWQCP Certify Your Farm webpage.
Farmers, agricultural producers, agricultural LLCs, and landowners operating on land within Minnesota are eligible to apply. Producers who were not selected previously may reapply for assistance. Applicants who have already received funding may also request additional support for new conservation practices or different acres of land.
The funding opportunity is part of Minnesota’s $200 million climate-smart food systems initiative. The program aims to support growers, processors, nonprofit organizations, and communities working to reduce climate pollution and food waste while strengthening local food systems.
Additional information and application details are available on the Climate Friendly Agricultural Practices website. Applicants may also contact Megan Moland at megan.moland@state.mn.us for assistance.
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Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy, Weather