The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is currently accepting applications from producers across Rhode Island for conservation funding.
The funding is part of an effort to help farmers, forest owners, oyster growers, and urban growers improve their land to benefit natural resources, build resiliency, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Applications are due by March 15.
For more information on the program, visit the NRCS links below;
Available Program funding:
- Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) climate-smart agriculture and forestry funding under the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
- General Farm Bill Programs: EQIP, CSP, Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)
- Combustion Systems Improvement
- Organic Transition Initiative
- Oyster Restoration Initiative
- Sakonnet Watershed National Water Quality Incentive (NWQI)
- RI Statewide Natural Systems Demonstration RCPP project (2036) and RCPP Farm Plan Implementation project
- Urban Growers assistance
“NRCS conservation programs are good for Rhode Island’s natural resources and for your farm’s bottom line,” said Phou Vongkhamdy, NRCS Rhode Island State Conservationist. “Whether this is your first time working with NRCS or you want to expand conservation on your land, we encourage you to contact your local NRCS field office to learn more.”
Historically underserved farmer benefits
Special benefits are available for historically underserved farmers (beginning, socially disadvantaged or limited resource farmers). Historically underserved farmers can receive higher payment rates (up to 90 percent of average cost).
Conservation practices and climate
NRCS conservation programs play a critical role in USDA’s commitment to working with farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, urban growers and local communities to deliver climate solutions that strengthen Rhode Island agriculture. Rhode Island NRCS is prioritizing a variety of voluntary conservation practices through these NRCS programs, including those that support climate-smart agriculture and forestry.
Applying for assistance
While NRCS accepts applications for these programs year-round, farmers, growers and landowners should apply by our ranking cutoff dates to be considered for this year’s funding. Applications received after ranking dates will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.