NRCS California Invites Applications for Partnership Proposals Focusing on Resiliency of California Agriculture

DAVIS, Calif., February 5, 2024 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California is seeking cooperative agreement proposals through April 3, 2024, to help our agency carry out our conservation mission. This announcement invites applications from interested outreach and conservation organizations. A separate contribution agreement proposal solicitation will be available soon.

“NRCS is continuously working to expand our conservation footprint in all of California’s communities,” said NRCS State Conservationist, Carlos Suarez. “We are doing our part in helping America’s farmers, ranchers and forest stewards conserve the natural resources we all depend on. These resources consist of clean air and water, while supporting the health and resiliency of their operations for the future. Agreements with partners are a valuable tool that helps us get more conservation on the ground.”

Each agreement opportunity will make up to $1 million available. The differences between each are:

• Cooperative Agreements will have no funding match required, with a floor of $25,000 and a ceiling of $75,000. This opportunity is now open and can be found under Grants.gov number USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-24-NOFO0001334.
• Contribution Agreements will require a 1:1 funding match, with a floor of $25,000 and a ceiling of $150,000. This opportunity will be posted soon under Grants.gov and will be found under number USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-24-NOFO0001335. Once posted, this opportunity will have approximately a 60-day application period.

Proposals should focus on the following conservation priorities for 2024:

• Use climate-smart management and sound science to enhance the health and productivity of agricultural lands.
• Lead efforts to adapt to the consequences of climate change in agriculture and forestry.
• Restore, protect, and conserve watersheds to ensure clean, abundant, and continuous provision of water resources.
• Increase carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and economic opportunities (and develop low-carbon energy solutions).
• Protect agricultural health by minimizing major diseases, pests, and wildlife conflicts.
• Build resilient food systems, infrastructure, and supply chain.
• Increase food security through assistance and access to nutritious and affordable food
• Increase capacity, sustainability, and economic vitality in rural and tribal communities.
• Promote environmental justice by maximizing sustainable and green economic development in rural and tribal communities.
• Foster a culture of civil rights, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, transparency, and accountability.
• Establish a customer-centric, inclusive, high-performing workforce that is representative of America and the communities we serve.

Emphasis will be given to projects that provide direct technical assistance to NRCS staff in the implementation of Farm Bill conservation programs. California NRCS will continue to prioritize a full spectrum of partnerships made up of Tribes, urban producers, and partners working on behalf of Historically Underserved sectors of our farming, ranching and forestry communities.

More Information
Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (8:59 p.m. Pacific Time) on April 3, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov. Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

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