By Scout Nelson
A wave of USDA program freezes, and funding terminations is causing uncertainty for agricultural projects and rural nonprofits across North Dakota. Many organizations and producers are experiencing delays or cancellations of critical initiatives, some of which were years in the making.
The Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resource Management and Sustainability (FARRMS), which relies heavily on USDA funding, had to freeze three programs and dissolve contracts for another major project due to lack of funding. This affected a multi-state initiative involving 35 organizations, which aimed to strengthen local food systems.
“This funding freeze is creating roadblocks and inefficiencies,” said FARRMS leadership. “It’s the opposite of creating efficiency.”
Among the programs impacted are the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools and Child Care programs. Funding meant to support food purchases from local producers was withdrawn, leaving suppliers and recipients in limbo.
The Working Lands Conservation Corps program, which trained youth in climate-smart agriculture, was also terminated, eliminating internships and fieldwork opportunities. The Climate-Smart Commodities and Rural Energy Assistance Program (REAP) are now frozen, affecting energy and soil health projects.
A $5.75 million soil health project and a no-till farming grant in northeast North Dakota are now stalled. Delays in funding may push implementation back by a full growing season. Several REAP recipients in the state are waiting on payments ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 for clean energy projects.
The Trump administration's review of programs under the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has caused further delays, and many are unsure about which initiatives will proceed.
Though some programs like CSP and EQIP are now active, uncertainty remains high. Layoffs of USDA researchers have also disrupted vital agricultural disease monitoring, raising long-term concerns.
This evolving situation reflects the serious challenges caused by federal policy shifts, leaving North Dakota’s agricultural community in a state of limbo.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle