The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant investment in private lands conservation for the fiscal year 2024, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has backed over 23,000 climate-focused conservation contracts, covering more than 11 million acres. This represents the largest investment in private lands conservation in a single year by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commented on this achievement: “This past year was another record-breaking one for America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, with more conservation assistance provided than ever before.” He added that demand for conservation assistance remains high and that the administration is working to meet this demand through increased capacity and streamlined processes.
Despite additional funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, NRCS could not fund nearly 64% of applications received for programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). In fiscal year 2024, NRCS made over $3 billion available from the Inflation Reduction Act for climate-smart agriculture and forestry activities. An additional $2 billion came from the Farm Bill for all conservation activities.
The agency obligated 97.6% of available funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners across America. This funding aims to provide benefits such as water conservation, wildlife habitat preservation, soil health improvement, among others.
NRCS released an interactive map highlighting how individual landowners are adopting climate-smart practices with this funding. In particular regions like the West, about $1.2 billion of investments focused on water resources management under NRCS's Western Water Framework.
For fiscal year 2025, NRCS plans to make up to $7.7 billion available through Farm Bill and Inflation Reduction Act funding for continued support of these initiatives.
In addition to financial support, NRCS has increased staffing levels and built partnerships with organizations to expand its capacity in providing assistance to producers.
The overall aim is also aligned with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which ensures that underserved communities benefit from federal investments in climate action and clean energy.
To learn more about these programs or apply for them, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit nrcs.usda.gov.
