The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maryland is accepting applications from agricultural producers and forest landowners for Regional Conservation Partnership Projects (RCPP). While NRCS accepts program applications year-round, Maryland producers and landowners should apply by Friday, April 25, 2025 to be considered for funding in the current cycle.  

RCPP is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. By leveraging collective resources and collaborating on common goals, RCPP demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in delivering results for agriculture and conservation.

Maryland currently offers RCPP to producers in select areas through four projects that range in focus from nutrient management, to soil health, to water quality. The following projects currently have funding available and an application cutoff of April 25, 2025.

Achieving WIP Goals and Nutrient Management Compliance in Maryland- This project promotes a cost and nutrient effective solution to address manure management and related resource concerns in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The overall project success will be based on reducing the best management practice gap for the Watershed Implementation Plan and increasing nutrient management in northern Maryland. Producers in Allegany, Baltimore, Cecil, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, and Washington counties who are interested in Waste Storage Facilities, Watering Facilities, and Fencing are encouraged to apply.

Million Acre Challenge- This project helps farmers throughout Maryland to build soil health, increase farm profitability, and improve water quality while making their farms more resilient. Maryland producers who are interested in grazing and soil health focused practices such as Conservation Crop Rotation, Prescribed Grazing, and Pest Management Conservation System are encouraged to apply.

Engaging Small Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) in the Nutrient Management Planning Process- This project seeks to reduce nutrient and sediment loss associated with small dairy AFOs by encouraging the development and implementation of Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans. It is available to small dairy operations in Carroll, Frederick, and Washington counties interested in implementing conservation practices such as waste storage structures, animal mortality facilities, heavy use areas, barnyard runoff practices, animal exclusion practices, and enhanced nutrient management (such as manure injection), among others. 

Connecting Small and Urban Farms in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. Urban Corridor with Conservation Resources- This project connects urban farmers with NRCS and partner conservation resources. All conservation practices are available to benefit the urban farmers or small farmers on this project. Producers in Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, Washington DC, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties, and producers outside these areas who are interested in urban or small-scale farming are encouraged to visit their local USDA Service Center to apply.

For additional information or to apply for an RCPP project, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center.