# Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements

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The Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements fund projects to expand the delivery of conservation assistance to producers who are new to farming, are low-income, identify as one or more marginalized race or ethnicity, and/or are military veterans.

The Equity in Conservation outreach cooperative agreements fund projects that expand the delivery of conservation assistance to producers who are new to farming, are low-income, identify as one or more marginalized race or ethnicity, and/or are military veterans. The program encourages new partnerships and the development of state and community leadership for underserved producers, with projects focusing on key conservation priorities including:
              - Improving soil health and water quality,
              - Providing habitat for at-risk wildlife,
              - Improving natural resources and productivity on agricultural lands,
              - Increasing access to conservation staff and resource in urban areas, and/or
              - Building and strengthening local and regional food systems and markets

In 2023, NRCS invested $70 million in partnerships that will improve outreach to underserved producers and communities to expand access to conservation assistance, including programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as career opportunities. NRCS selected 139 projects with entities for a one- to three-year engagement that encourage participation in NRCS programs, especially in underserved communities and among urban and small-scale producers. Projects are extending outreach to producers who are beginning, limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and veterans, and are highlighting opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences.

Read the 2023 Equity in Conservation cooperative agreements news release...

##   Related Content

Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements - Fiscal Year 2023
USDA is investing up to $70 million in cooperative agreements to support outreach to underserved producers and communities about opportunities with NRCS for natural resource conservation, climate-smart agriculture and forestr...

Equity Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements - Fiscal Year 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) invested $50 million in 118 partnerships to expand access to conservation assistance for climate-smart agriculture and forestry in fiscal year 2022.

Outreach and Partnerships
Outreach is an integral part of NRCS program and service delivery. Effective outreach helps to ensure that information services and programs reaches all existing and potential customers in a timely and fair manner. 

Outreach Partner Spotlight
Stories about our partners' outreach projects funded through Equity in Conservation outreach cooperative agreements.

##   Related Pages

### Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) includes provisions that address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource, and veteran farmers and ranchers (“historically underserved producers”).
Learn More

### Equity

One of our top priorities, equity is the consistent and systematic treatment of all people in a fair, just, and impartial manner, including members of communities that have been denied such treatment. Federal agencies have been directed to ensure equity in services, planning, and decision making.
Learn More

### Civil Rights 

Across USDA, civil rights ensures equal employment opportunities and program access for all employees and customers. It ensures that every employee, applicant, and program participant is treated with dignity, equality, and respect.
Learn More

##   Related News & Events

NewsUSDA Seeking Applications to Expand Conservation Assistance to Underserved Producers February 27, 2023

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