USDA invests $1.5 billion in conservation and climate-smart agriculture

By Andi Anderson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a landmark investment of $1.5 billion in conservation projects, benefitting 92 initiatives across the country through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

This funding is bolstered by an additional $968 million in contributions from project partners, collectively advancing sustainable farming and climate-smart practices. Michigan’s Southeast Conservation Coalition project received $24.6 million, which will support land protection and equitable access to conservation resources.

Part of the Biden-Harris Investing in America Agenda, this investment aims to assist farmers, ranchers, and landowners in adopting environmentally friendly practices to address climate change.

Funding from both the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act has strengthened RCPP, which empowers local partnerships to address natural resource challenges on agricultural land.

“RCPP shows how effective public-private partnerships can be in conservation,” said Garry Lee, Michigan’s State Conservationist for the USDA. “This funding from the Biden-Harris Administration enables us to increase our impact and support those who work to protect our natural resources.”

Selected projects focus on various conservation priorities. Examples include six projects reducing methane emissions from livestock and 16 initiatives promoting water conservation in drought-affected Western regions.

Additionally, 42 projects emphasize wildlife habitat conservation. Tribal-led projects received $100 million, with awards to seven projects advancing conservation in Indigenous communities.

In Michigan, the Southeast Michigan Conservation Coalition aims to permanently protect 4,000 acres of agricultural and natural land from development, with support from the Legacy Land Conservancy. This project will use public outreach and partnerships to ensure equitable access to conservation benefits.

RCPP projects fall under two categories: RCPP Classic, which involves NRCS contracts with producers, and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA), where lead partners work directly with farmers. Since 2021, RCPP has awarded $3 billion to 334 projects, amplifying federal funds with additional partner contributions.

This initiative is part of USDA’s mission to promote a resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system while supporting local communities and ensuring fair market opportunities.

Photo Credit: usda