The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). Applications for CIG are due by April 23. The competitive grants are …
USDA Rounding Out Fundamental Staff Appointments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is continuing to fill other key staff appointments within the department. Sandra Eskin has been named Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety after serving …
USDA Seeks Comment on Climate-Smart Agriculture Approach
Stakeholders are being asked to comment on federal strategies for climate-smart agriculture and forestry initiatives. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published a Federal Register Notice seeking feedback from …
USDA to Provide $75 Million for Alternative Practices for Conservation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be supporting unique projects that offer alternative practices for conservation. Up to $75 million will be made available for new projects through the …
Public Comment Sought for Revised Conservation Practice Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking for public comment on a series of proposed revisions. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be accepting feedback through April 8 on the proposed …
Partnership Looks to Enhance Organic Conservation Practices
A new three-year partnership is aimed at helping expand the implementation of organic conservation practices. An agreement was recently made between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service …
USDA Leadership Continues Taking Shape with Recent Appointments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been announcing new personnel to key positions within the department. Notable USDA leadership appointments include Gloria Montaño Greene as Deputy Under Secretary for …
Senate Confirms Tom Vilsack as Agriculture Secretary for the Second Time
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Tom Vilsack to once again lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). By a vote of 92-7, Vilsack will assume the position of being the …
New Form Required for Certain NRCS Customers
Producers and landowners involved in certain programs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation being advised of changes in some paperwork requirements. The Farm Service …
CRP General Signup Period Extended by USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that the general signup period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has been extended. The CRP general signup has previously been scheduled …
Vilsack Outlines USDA Opportunities During Confirmation Hearing
During his confirmation hearing, Tom Vilsack outlined priorities he would like to see the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) address. The Senate Agriculture Committee also questioned Vilsack on a variety …
ACEP Final Rule Released by USDA Includes Several Updates
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released the final rule for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Updates to the program were made as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill. …
Conservation Practices Proven to Lower Carbon Footprint in Recent Study
A recent study from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) shows how effective conservation practices are in addressing emission levels. The study incorporates data collected between 2004 and 2018. As …
RCPP Final Rule Incorporates Feedback from Industry Stakeholders
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has issued a final rule for its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS incorporated the feedback that industry stakeholders provided for the RCPP interim …