USDA-NRCS Farm Bill Conservation Program and Inflation Reduction Act Climate-Smart Practices Signup Now Open in Rhode Island
NRCS announces a December 15, 2023, ranking cut-off date for farmers and forest landowners to apply for the first period of FY 2024 conservation program funding through EQIP-IRA, CSP-IRA, AMA, CSP, EQIP and ACEP.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making more than $3 billion in funding available nationwide for farmers and forest landowners to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices in fiscal year (FY) 2024 as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The announcement comes as the Biden-Harris Administration hosts the first-ever White House Climate Resilience Summit. Learn more about available programs and Climate-Smart Practices…
In Rhode Island, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces a December 15, 2023, ranking cut-off date for farmers and forest landowners to apply for the first period of FY 2024 conservation program funding. Funds are available to Ocean State farmers and forest landowners through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA), and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Visit www.RI.nrcs.usda.gov for details about program benefits, eligibility and requirements.
In fiscal year 2023 NRCS obligated over $3.7 million for 210 contracts to help apply conservation practices on over 9,500 acres in Rhode Island. Over 50% of this year’s contracts were awarded to beginning, limited resource or socially disadvantaged farmers. We also certified 719 conservation practices improving soil quality, irrigation efficiency, wildlife habitat and forestland vegetation condition on 17,818 acres and investing over $2.2M in our producers.
“Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, we have additional resources to invest in climate-smart practices as we continue to see high demand for these popular conservation programs,” said USDA-NRCS State Conservationist, R. Phou Vongkhamdy. “This funding will be used to meet demand for our conservation programs and maximize climate benefits while also providing other important environmental benefits. This includes investing in popular common-sense practices like cover crops, forest management, waste and fertilizer management, and grazing practices, while continuing to work through existing programs to help farmers and forest landowners address other natural resource challenges. Ultimately, this will lead to economic opportunity for farmers, more productive soil, cleaner water and air, healthier wildlife habitat and natural resource conservation for future generations.”
Applying for Assistance
Funding is provided through a competitive process. NRCS accepts applications for its conservation programs year-round but sets state-specific ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding. These dates account for producer needs, staff workload and ensure potential participants have ample opportunity to apply. Interested participants should apply by December 15, 2023, to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Applications received after this ranking date will be automatically deferred to the next funding period. Apply at:
- Eastern RI Conservation District
Serving Newport and Bristol counties
Conservation District Office: 401-934-0842
info@easternriconservation.org - Eastern RI NRCS Field Office
Ghyllian Alger, NRCS District Conservationist
401-822-8835 or Ghyllian.alger@usda.gov - Northern RI Conservation District
Serving Providence County
Conservation District Office: 401-934-0840
mallard.nricd@gmail.com - Northern RI NRCS Field Office
Kate Bousquet, NRCS District Conservationist
401-822-8814 or Kate.Bousquet@usda.gov - Southern RI Conservation District
Serving Kent and Washington counties
Conservation District Office: 401-661-5761
sricd.info@gmail.com - Southern RI NRCS Field Office
Jameson Long, NRCS District Conservationist
401-822-8837 or Jameson.Long@usda.gov - USDA NRCS State Office
60 Quaker Lane, Suite 40
Warwick, RI 02886
www.RI.nrcs.usda.gov
NRCSInfo@ri.usda.gov
401-828-1300
NRCS is a federal agency that works hand-in-hand with conservation districts and the people of Rhode Island to improve and protect soil, water and other natural resources. For more information, visit www.RI.nrcs.usda.gov.
#
USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider, Employer and Lender.
Additional RI Program Information
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Rhode Island
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands or protect working farms and ranches through conservation easements.
Learn MoreAgricultural Management Assistance - Rhode Island
The Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices.
Learn MoreConservation Stewardship Program - Rhode Island
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.
Learn MoreEnvironmental Quality Incentives Program - Rhode Island
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to Rhode Island agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers to address natural resource concerns in the Ocean State.
Learn More