# USDA Makes $1.5 Billion Available to Help Farmers Advance Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture

MontanaAgricultural Conservation Easement ProgramRegional Conservation Partnership Program

April 04, 2024

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The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced $1.5 billion investment in partner-driven conservation and climate solution projects, through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

*BOZEMAN, Mont., April 4, 2024* – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the availability of an historic $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2024 to invest in partner-driven conservation and climate solutions through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The NRCS is accepting project proposals now through July 2, 2024.

RCPP proposals should focus on climate-smart agriculture, urban agriculture, and conservation projects that will help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis. These projects in turn can save farmers money, create new revenue streams, and increase productivity.  

Today’s investment is made available through the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history, which has enabled NRCS to boost funding for RCPP.

“There is an unprecedented demand for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program funding from partners dedicated to supporting our private land managers and the rural communities that depend on agriculture,” said Tom Watson, NRCS State Conservationist for Montana. “With an increased investment, we’re able to boost our impact across the landscape, especially when considering the collective resources and collaboration leveraged through these public-private partnerships.”

Two separate funding opportunities are available: RCPP Classic and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA). RCPP Classic projects are implemented using NRCS contracts and easements with producers, landowners and communities in collaboration with project partners. Through RCPP AFA, the lead partner works directly with agricultural producers to support the development of innovative conservation approaches that would not otherwise be available under RCPP Classic. NRCS will set aside $100 million for Tribal-led projects to be used between both funding opportunities.

Project proposals for RCPP are being accepted through the RCPP portal. Details on the RCPP Classic and RCPP AFA funding opportunities are available on Grants.gov.

NRCS will be hosting webinars to provide additional information. Learn how to participate at the RCPP website under How to Apply.

### More about RCPP 

RCPP is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. By leveraging collective resources and collaborating on common goals, RCPP demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in delivering results for agriculture and conservation.

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