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 underserved producers and communities. The program encourages new partnerships and the development of local conservation leadership, with projects focusing on key NRCS priorities including:
- Address local natural resource issues
- Promote potential conservation career opportunities
- Promote the adoption of climate-smart conservation
- Encourage conservation in small-scale and urban agriculture
- Develop conservation leadership skills and opportunities
In FY 2022 and 2023, NRCS invested $118 million in partnerships to 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. These 255 agreements 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...
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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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