U.S. Department of Agriculture accepting applications for $1 billion Climate-Smart Commodities program
Author
Upcoming Events
Related News
Key Takeaways
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently accepting applications for the $1 billion Climate-Smart Commodities program to assist producers implementing climate-smart practices on working lands. The program will fund pilot projects that reduce greenhouse gases and/or carbon sequestration on farms or ranches, or within forestry practices. USDA recently held a webinar on the program for eligible applicants, including counties, and also extended the application deadline. Applications for the first funding pool ($5 million to $100 million projects) are due on April 8, and applications for the second funding pool ($250,000 to under $5 million projects) are due on May 27. To view the Notice of Funding Opportunity, click here.
The Climate-Smart Commodities program will fund projects for counties, small businesses and other eligible applicants to implement agricultural or forestry practices that include, but are not limited to:
- Cover crops
- Low-till or no-till
- Nutrient management
- Enhanced efficiency fertilizers
- Manure management
- Feed management to reduce enteric emissions
- Buffers, wetland and grassland management, and tree planting on working lands
- Agroforestry and afforestation on working lands
- Afforestation/reforestation and sustainable forest management
- Planting for high carbon sequestration rate
- Maintaining and improving forest soil quality
- Increase on-site carbon storage through forest stand management
- Alternate wetting and drying on rice fields
- Climate-smart pasture practices, such as prescribed grazing or legume interseeding
- Soil amendments, like biochar
USDA anticipates funding to be available as early as summer 2022 and projects may be between 1-5 years. For more information on the program, visit the program page or view the FAQs.
Agriculture and related agribusiness remain a vital part of the U.S. economy and are a major contributor to economic activity throughout the world. As stewards of the environment, counties support agricultural reforms that will protect and improve the health of the environment of all Americans through the promotion of environmental stewardship and conservation.
Advocacy
FEMA announces $2 billion in funding to boost climate resilience nationwide
The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency is making nearly $2 billion available for state and local governments through the Flood Mitigation Assistance and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant programs, enabling engagement in pre-disaster mitigation activities.
Related News
U.S. House of Representatives passes SPEED Act and other permitting reform bills
On December 18, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the SPEED Act (H.R. 4776). The SPEED Act would strengthen county involvement in decision-making and make needed commonsense reforms to the federal environmental review process.
House Natural Resources Committee advances the Endangered Species Act Amendments Act of 2025
On December 17, the House Natural Resources Committee advanced the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments Act of 2025 (H.R. 1897). The version passed by the committee adopted several changes from the initial bill and would address key county concerns by improving the implementation of the ESA. The legislation now awaits a floor vote before the whole U.S. House of Representatives.
Senators introduce bipartisan UPGRADE Act to support small and rural public water systems
On December 15, Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) introduced the Unincorporated Partnerships for Grant Resources, Assistance, and Drinking Water Enhancements (UPGRADE) Act (S. 3465), a bipartisan bill that would strengthen federal support for small public water systems and helps unincorporated communities access clean and affordable water.