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Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) - Minnesota

Interseed cover crop field with farm in the background on a clear sunny day

Inflation Reduction Act

Application cut-off: March 24, 2023

IRA-CSP & IRA EQIP

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

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications to its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for funding in Fiscal Year 2023 using funds provided by the IRA. EQIP-IRA and CSP-IRA applications must include at least one core Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry (CSAF) conservation practice or activity that directly improves soil carbon, reduces nitrogen losses, or reduces, captures, avoids or sequesters carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous emissions associated with agricultural productions. Facilitating practices or activities that are needed to implement the core practice may also be included.

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.

*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.

Additional Information

Find Your Local Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.