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Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – signed in August 2022 by President Biden – represents the single largest investment in climate and clean energy solutions in American history.

IRA assistance is available through NRCS’ oversubscribed conservation programs for agricultural producers. NRCS accepts producer applications for its conservation programs year-round, but for fiscal year 2024 funding, producers interested in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program or Conservation Stewardship Program should apply by their state’s ranking dates to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Those ranking dates will be available later this year.

Funding is provided through a competitive process and will include an opportunity to address the unmet demand from producers who have previously sought funding for climate-smart conservation activities. Those applications that were not previously funded, and those that are received after the ranking date, will automatically be considered during future funding cycles.

We Are Hiring to Help with IRA Implementation

Right now, we’re increasing staff to help implement $19.5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for conservation programs. These jobs are part of a broader effort to help producers develop conservation plans and implement conservation practices, including critical climate-smart practices.   Go to USAjobs.gov and search for “NRCS” or “Natural Resources Conservation Service” to find the latest openings.

 
IRA Investment

The IRA provides an additional $19.5 billion over five years to support USDA’s conservation programs that yield climate change mitigation benefits. Implementation began in 2023. These investments mean that more producers will have access to conservation assistance and include:

These additional funds will help farmers and ranchers implement expanded conservation practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase storage of carbon in their soil and trees. The conservation funding is in addition to otherwise available program funds, and participation is voluntary, incentive-based and targeted to support climate-smart mitigation activities and other conservation activities that facilitate them.

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