The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated over $1.77 billion this year for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). With more than 667,000 participants, CRP has dispersed payments to farmers …
USDA Makes $3 Billion in Climate-Smart Investments Available to Producers
In fiscal year 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to make climate-smart investments totaling $3 billion. The allocation is being made courtesy of President Biden’s landmark Inflation …
Over One Million Acres Approved for General CRP Signup
More than one million acres have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the latest signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). USDA’s Farm Service Agency notes …
Presidential Budget Addresses Conservation and Research
President Joe Biden has released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2024, addressing several programs relevant to agriculture. The presidential budget lays out significant investments to support conservation efforts and …
Western Water Supply Issues to be Addressed in New USDA Strategy
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is continuing efforts to address western water supplies through new approaches. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be working to mitigate challenges through …
FACA Farm Bill Priorities Heralded by Industry Members
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) has released its 2023 Farm Bill Policy Recommendations. Developed by a 23-member steering committee, the FACA farm bill priorities are divided into several …
Conservation Reserve Program General Signup Opens February 27
Signups for the General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) will open on February 27. Agricultural producers and private landowners will be able to apply through April 7. Offered by the U.S. …
Multi-Agency Agreement to Enhance Conservation Efforts with Bolstered Support
A multi-agency agreement seeks to better support the conservation efforts of California’s agriculture stewards. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD), University …
California’s 30×30 Conservation Plan Moving Forward
The 30×30 conservation plan dictated by an executive order from Governor Gavin Newsom is beginning to take shape. Initially signed back in 2020, the order commits California to conserve 30 …
USDA Invests $15 Million in Conservation Innovation Grants
Funding priorities for this year’s Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Classic program include climate-smart agriculture, invasive species mitigation, and urban agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will be investing $15 million …
COVER Act Seeks to Further Incentivize Cover Crop Implementation
The Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience (COVER) Program Act aims to help increase the use of cover crops. Introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Cindy Axne and Sean …
Collaborating with Responsible Environmental Groups
Farmers and the environmental community are not always at odds with each other. Often, the agricultural industry and environmental and conservancy groups have overlapping interests, which can be better addressed …
Survey Seeks Farmer Experience with On-Farm Conservation Programs
California farmers are being asked for their perspective on on-farm conservation programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Pollinator Partnership is conducting an online survey seeking feedback …
More Than Two Million Acres Accepted into Conservation Reserve Program
More than two million acres in offers have been accepted through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup. Agricultural producers and landowners made submissions for …