The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maryland is seeking agreement proposals through July 5, 2024, to leverage NRCS resources to increase conservation outreach and technical assistance. Two Notice of Funding Opportunities are now open on grants.gov and seeking applicants from interested entities.

“Maryland is a leader in conservation in many ways,” said NRCS State Conservationist, Suzy Daubert. “We are capable and get more done together as a team, many hands make light work.  We are a service-based agency, our mission and goals are noble and incredible, thank you for being part of this team.”

Funding amounts can range from $25,000 to a maximum of $250,000 with agreements being between one and five years in duration.

The agreement opportunity for Conservation Technical Assistance (NOFO0001339) seeks boots on the ground assistance for producers to plan and/or implement conservation practices throughout Maryland. Priority will be placed on proposals providing direct technical assistance on critical conservation needs that address the Maryland State Priority Resource Concerns.

Maryland AgLand Priority Resource Concerns:

• Concentrated Erosion
• Field Sediment, Nutrient and Pathogen Loss
• Pest Pressure
• Soil Quality Limitations
• Terrestrial Habitat
• Storage and Handling of Pollutants
• Source Water Depletion
• Air Quality Emissions – Airborne Reactive Nitrogen, Greenhouse Gases
• Field Pesticide Loss
• Inefficient Energy Use

Maryland Non-Industrial Private Forestland Priority Resource Concerns:

• Aquatic Habitat
• Concentrated Erosion
• Degraded Plant Condition
• Pest Pressure
• Soil Quality Limitations
• Terrestrial Habitat

The agreement opportunity for Conservation Outreach Cooperative (NOFO0001340) seeks to  increase public awareness of Farm Bill activities, NRCS services, and conservation education to improve conservation of Maryland’s natural resources. Outreach proposals that align with the USDA goal of reaching new customers who have never worked with NRCS will also be prioritized.

The NRCS is committed to the success of all our nation’s producers, businesses, and

partners. Some of our nation's producers belong to communities which have been or are currently marginalized in ways that have reduced their ability to farm and ranch successfully -- despite the vital role they have played in securing a healthy agricultural economy for our country by protecting, enhancing, and sustaining our valuable natural resources. NRCS encourages and will prioritize proposal submissions from entities that represent, are partnered with, or are composed entirely of producers belonging to such communities. 

This is a program covered by the White House Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, water and wastewater infrastructure, and other covered investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

Proposals must be submitted via www.grants.gov by July 5, 2024. Applicants should review the funding announcement for details. Entities considering applying should visit the www.grants.gov Web Site to ensure their account, Unique Entity ID (UEI), and Award Management (SAM) information is up-to-date.”

First-time grants.gov applicants are encouraged to visit www.grants.gov/learn-grants/, and utilize www.grants.gov/support for further application support.

Contact Rachel Giles, NRCS State Outreach Coordinator for outreach related questions at rachel.giles@usda.gov.

Contact Eric Hines, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations for technical assistance questions at eric.hines@usda.gov.