The Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements fund two-year 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 2022, NRCS administered $50 million of investments in partnerships through Equity Conservation Agreements to improve equity in access to conservation programs and support efforts to address climate change. NRCS selected 118 groups to provide funding through Equity Conservation Agreements, including 84 new partnerships and the expansion of 34 other partnerships with entities serving historically underserved groups.
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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”).
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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.
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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.
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