Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) - California

What is the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)?

On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. It is a historic, once-in-a-generation investment and opportunity for the agricultural communities that USDA serves. IRA will help producers stay on the farm, prevent producers from becoming ineligible for future assistance, and promote climate-smart agriculture by increasing access to conservation assistance.

Conservation Assistance Through NRCS

IRA assistance is now available through NRCS’ oversubscribed conservation programs for agricultural producers. NRCS accepts producer applications for its conservation programs year-round, but for fiscal year 2023 funding, producers interested in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program or Conservation Stewardship Program should apply by the application dates to be considered for funding in the current cycle. 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. 

For the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, Wetland Reserve Easements, applications for the current IRA funding cycle must be submitted by March 17, 2023, for the first funding round. Learn more from the Feb. 13, 2023, news release.

$19.5 billion of IRA funds will support USDA’s conservation programs within NRCS, beginning in fiscal year 2023, and continuing over the following four years. This includes:

• $8.45 billion for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program
• $4.95 billion for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program
• $3.25 billion for the Conservation Stewardship Program
• $1.4 billion for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
• $1 billion for the Conservation Technical Assistance Program

For fiscal year 2023, California received nearly $20 million in IRA funding, including:

• $6.8 million for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program
• $5.2 million for the Conservation Stewardship Program
• $7.6 million for the Conservation Technical Assistance Program   

*NRCS plans to roll out the next Regional Conservation Partnership Program funding opportunity in early spring, which will include IRA funds from fiscal year 2023. 

These are oversubscribed programs that are well known to farmers and ranchers. This additional investment will help farmers and ranchers implement expanded conservation practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase storage of carbon in their soil and trees.

Upcoming Dates

EQIP

Application Date: March 17, 2023
Ranking Date: May 12, 2023 
Funding Selections: May 26, 2023
Obligation Date: August 15, 2023

CSP

Application Date: April 28, 2023 Extended!
Ranking Date: May 26, 2023 New!
Funding Selections: June 2, 2023 New!
Obligation Date: August 15, 2023

ACEP-WRE

Application Date: March 17, 2023
Ranking Date: April 14, 2023
Funding Selections: May 8, 2023
 

More Information

Fact Sheet: NRCS Conservation Programs and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Information on Climate-Smart Activities: Climate-Smart Mitigation Activities

California Press Release: NRCS California Meets the Moment with Expanded Conservation Investments

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