Federal funding, boosted by the Inflation Reduction Act, will support 92 projects across the U.S., helping farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners implement innovative conservation strategies and address environmental challenges.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a significant $1.5 billion investment in conservation initiatives under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), aiming to tackle environmental challenges on agricultural land. This initiative, fueled by federal funding and partner contributions totaling $968 million, seeks to empower farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to implement sustainable, locally led conservation strategies, addressing both environmental needs and the ongoing climate crisis.
This funding marks a historic moment, supported by resources from the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act. As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader Investing in America Agenda, the Inflation Reduction Act stands as the largest investment in conservation and climate action to date, providing a total of $19.5 billion for USDA conservation efforts, including $4.95 billion specifically for RCPP. The program has gained momentum with this additional funding, enabling the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to expand the scope and impact of its conservation initiatives.
As noted by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, public-private partnerships have been central to the RCPP’s success.
“Thanks to the boost in funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, we’re able to invest even more in this popular and important program, increasing our conservation impact across the country, supporting our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners while protecting our natural resources for the future.”
The program’s collaborative nature brings together federal and private resources to create long-lasting environmental benefits.
This year’s RCPP projects target several priority areas, including water conservation, wildlife habitat restoration, and innovative technologies to reduce methane emissions in livestock. Six of the funded projects focus on livestock management practices to curb methane emissions, while 16 initiatives in the Western U.S. address water scarcity and drought challenges. Additionally, 42 projects aim to restore wildlife habitats, in alignment with the USDA’s recent directive to enhance terrestrial wildlife habitat connectivity.
Significantly, $100 million of the allocated funds have been set aside for Tribal-led projects, reflecting a commitment to supporting Indigenous communities. Seven awards have been granted to five different tribes and tribal organizations, focusing on the unique environmental challenges these communities face. One example is the InterTribal Buffalo Council’s initiative to restore grassland ecosystems using buffalo and conservation practices across 83 tribal nations, helping reduce emissions and revitalize cultural practices.
John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, highlighted the importance of working lands in addressing climate challenges. “America’s working lands and forests are crucial in our fight against the climate crisis—from sequestering carbon pollution to absorbing the impact of storms and floods. Today’s awards ensure that those who know these landscapes best—farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners—have the resources needed to lead this important work.”
Additional projects emphasize biodiversity and environmental restoration. The Arizona Association of Conservation Districts, for example, will establish conservation easements to protect over 2,000 acres of ranchland, addressing drought, wildfire risks, and climate resilience. Meanwhile, the Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development project in North Carolina will work to restore streambanks and create riparian buffers, enhancing water quality and wildlife habitats while fostering sustainable agriculture.
The RCPP operates under two frameworks: RCPP Classic and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA). While RCPP Classic projects rely on NRCS contracts and easements with landowners, AFA projects allow lead partners to engage more directly with producers, enabling innovative conservation approaches not available under the traditional model. This dual structure ensures flexibility and promotes creative solutions tailored to regional environmental challenges.
Since the Biden-Harris Administration took office, 334 RCPP awards have been issued, totaling over $3 billion in federal funding. Since its inception, the program has granted 812 awards, involving more than 4,000 partner organizations, leveraging $4 billion in NRCS funds alongside an equivalent amount from partners.
Through initiatives like RCPP, USDA continues to transform the agricultural landscape, promoting sustainable practices, fair markets, and resilient food systems. The department remains committed to fostering equitable access to resources and opportunities across rural America. For further details on the 92 newly awarded projects, visit www.usda.gov.
