The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced up to $225 million in available funding for conservation partners through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).   The deadline for applications is April 13.

RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages collective resources to find solutions to address natural resource challenges on agricultural land.

This year’s funding announcements include opportunities for projects that address climate change, benefit historically underserved producers and support urban agriculture.

“RCPP is public-private partnership at its best,” said Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Pennsylvania State Conservationist Denise Coleman. “We’re harnessing the power of partnership to create lasting solutions to global challenges, like climate change, and support producers and communities who have been underserved in the past.”  

There are two types of funding opportunities under RCPP:  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, partners have more flexibility in working directly with agricultural producers to support the development of new conservation structures and approaches that would not otherwise be available under RCPP Classic.

Project types that may be suited to AFA, as highlighted by the 2018 Farm Bill include:

-- Projects that use innovative approaches to leverage the federal investment in conservation. 

-- Projects that deploy a pay-for-performance conservation approach. 

-- Projects that seek large-scale infrastructure investment that generate conservation benefits for agricultural producers and nonindustrial private forest owners. 

Jan. 20 Webinar

Additionally, a webinar with general program information for RCPP applicants is scheduled for 3-4:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 20, 2022. Information on how to participate will be posted on the RCPP webpage.

Funding is open to agriculture and silviculture associations, non-government organizations, Indian tribes, state and local governments, conservation districts and universities, among others. 

Partners are expected to offer value-added contributions to amplify the impact of RCPP funding in an amount equal to or greater than the NRCS investment.

Visit the RCPP Classic and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) webpages for more information.

Private landowners can apply to participate in an RCPP project in their region through awarded partners or at their local USDA service center webpage.

Visit the NRCS-PA webpage for more information on technical and financial assistance available to landowners.

Related Articles:

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-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation Awarded USDA Grant To Expand Outreach To Underserved Farmers In PA, MD, VA

-- DCNR Accepting Nominations For 2022 Watershed Forestry Leadership Award

[Posted: January 14, 2022]

1/17/2022