USDA Invests $8 Million in Four Partnerships to Expand Measurement and Monitoring of Soil Carbon on Working Agricultural Lands as Part of Investing in America Agenda

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $8 million in four partnerships to support and expand measurement and monitoring of carbon in soil on working agricultural lands and to assess how climate-smart practices are affecting carbon sequestration. 

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $500 Million for Improved Regional Conservation Partnership Program to Better Support Partners, Producers as Part of Investing in America Agenda

The Biden-Harris Administration today announced the availability of $500 million in funding to advance partner-driven solutions to conservation on agricultural land through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). 

USDA Seeks Members for Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. Nominations will be open to public from May 15, 2023, to July 15, 2023.

Transitioning to Organic signup ends June 15 in Maine

Applicants in Maine should apply for the initiative by June 15.

USDA Unveils Efforts to Streamline Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is streamlining its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) to ultimately better help agricultural producers and private landowners conserve wetlands, productive farmlands and at-risk grasslands.

USDA Opens Full-Time, Entry-Level Soil Conservationist Positions across U.S. as Part of Broader Effort to Implement the Inflation Reduction Act

NRCS will hire team members over the next few years to help implement $19.5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act for conservation programs, including job announcements for new soil conservationists.

Are you gardening or farming in an urban environment?

While many people might not consider Maine when they think of “urban agriculture,” there is assistance available for Mainers who are farming or gardening in our cities and suburbs.

April is a Time to Celebrate Natural Resource Conservation History

Today’s farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners are better prepared to maintain healthy and resilient soil due to the tireless efforts of Dr. Hugh Hammond Bennett, the Soil Conservation Service’s (SCS) first Chief and the Father of Soil Conservation, who was born on April 15, 1881.

NRCS Announces $75 Million to Assist Producers Transitioning to Organic as Part of USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative 

NRCS invests $75 million to assist producers transitioning to organic production.  

USDA Invests $12 million in Cooperative Agreements for Conservation on Grazing Lands and Support for Farmers and Ranchers

NRCS has selected 49 projects for GLCI cooperative agreements in 2023. These projects have identified barriers to accessing grazing assistance for producers and will include outreach and support for reaching underserved producers.