Climate-smart conservation fund applications due March 17
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is encouraging all Delaware agricultural producers to apply for assistance to improve the health and productivity of their agricultural land through climate-smart conservation practices.
The Inflation Reduction Act provides additional assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program for practices and activities that directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions or increase carbon sequestration.
“Through the Inflation Reduction Act, NRCS is expanding access to financial and technical assistance for producers to advance conservation on their farms,” said Kasey Taylor, NRCS state conservationist. “The practices and activities we are offering not only work to mitigate the effects of climate change, but create value and economic opportunities for Delaware’s producers.”
Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry conservation practices and activities include cover cropping, conservation tillage, wetland restoration, prescribed grazing, nutrient management, tree planting and more. These practices and activities directly improve soil carbon, reduce nitrogen losses, or reduce, capture, avoid or sequester carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous oxide emissions associated with agricultural production.
While NRCS accepts applications for financial assistance programs year-round, interested applicants in Delaware should apply no later than Friday, March 17, for EQIP and Friday, March 24, for CSP to ensure consideration for fiscal year 2023 funding, which is provided through a competitive process.
To apply for financial assistance, call the USDA service center in Sussex County at 302-856-3990, Ext. 3. For more information, go to de.nrcs.usda.gov.
