USDA announces $325 million investment in conservation programs

Key Takeaways

On October 26, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced more than $325 million for 42 projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This announcement displays what the Farm Bill’s conservation title can do when federal resources meet local partners and local priorities. 

What is the Regional Conservation Partnership Program? 

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a conservation title program that combines federal funding with private and local partnerships to tackle natural resource challenges on agricultural land. The funded projects focus on soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, precision agriculture and tribal partnerships. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers this program through partnership with regional entities that work more closely with farmers and ranchers on the ground. 

Current Landscape 

Many conservation programs, including RCPP were authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. This massive legislative package requires reauthorization roughly every five years, and the 2018 bill expired in September 2023. Although Congress has passed multiple extensions, a new, comprehensive Farm Bill is paramount to ensure continued authorization for conservation title programs and to update them to meet current needs. These impacts of delays are already being felt. For example, USDA’s Farm Service Agency has paused approval of new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts, stating it has no statutory authority to approve contracts after September 30 until Congress acts. RCPP projects can proceed, while producers who want to enroll in other paused conservation programs must wait. If Congress fails to pass a new bill or another extension by the end of the year, many USDA programs could face service disruptions and a return to “permanent law,” a set of farm policies dating to the 1930s and 1940s that takes effect when a Farm Bill fully expires.

County impact

Counties are where conservation work happens, and where the costs of delay are felt. Conservation programs authorized in the Farm Bill, coupled with a strong local relationship with NRCS, give counties the support they need to lead local conservation efforts. 

Farm Bill negotiations are ongoing and complex, but counties rely on a comprehensive, bipartisan Farm Bill to provide long-term certainty for county-run services, programs and infrastructure. Counties support maintaining or increasing funding levels for Farm Bill conservation programs that empower farmers and ranchers to voluntarily engage in conservation projects that serve the needs of their communities.

NACo continues to advocate for the passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill that will strengthen rural America and support greater opportunities for all.
 

Farm Bill Reauthorization Hub