U.S. Agriculture Secretary Announced Funding for Conservation Projects – Marks New Era for Conservation Efforts
January 14, 2015
Today Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Jason Weller held a press call to announce a historic initiative to expand and improve U.S. conservation efforts. The new USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and will help fund 100 conservation projects across all 50 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The RCPP promotes coordination between the Natural Resources Conservation Service and businesses, tribes, communities and other non-government partners to deliver conservation assistance to producers and landowners. In turn, these projects will leverage partner contributions expected to double the impact of the Federal funds, and improve the nation’s water quality, support wildlife habitat and enhance the environment. The program will also help broadcast conservation efforts taking place on American farms.
Secretary Vilsack said that this is an entirely new approach to U.S. conservation efforts and that these public-private partnerships empower communities to set priorities and lead the way on conservation efforts important for their region. They also encourage private sector investment so we can make an impact that’s well beyond what the Federal government could accomplish on its own. RCPP competitively awards funds to conservation projects designed by local partners specifically for their region. Eligible partners include private companies, universities, non-profit organizations, local and tribal governments and others joining with agricultural and conservation organizations and producers to invest money, manpower and materials to their proposed initiatives. With participating partners investing along with the Department, USDA’s $1.2 billion in funding over the life of the five-year Farm Bill program can leverage an additional $1.2 billion from partners for a total of $2.4 billion for conservation. Through RCPP, partners propose conservation projects to improve soil health, water quality and water use efficiency, wildlife habitat, and other related natural resources on private lands.
The RCPP is one example of the conservation efforts taking place in the U.S. and how the government works to support and provide for conservation efforts.