By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is pushing forward an initiative that beckons agriculturalists and forest landowners in South Dakota.
The call?
To voluntarily step into conservation programs and weave climate-smart practices into their daily operations. This move resonates with President Biden's larger vision of investing in America.
Tony Sunseri, South Dakota State Conservationist, underlines the importance and opportunity this presents. "No matter the size or location of your farm, there's a conservation solution awaiting you," he highlights. And there's no better time than now.
Why?
An unprecedented amount of funding, sourced from both the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), is at play.
The breakdown of funding looks promising. For FY 2024, a whopping $3 billion from the IRA is earmarked for climate-oriented activities.
The list of activities and priority areas, especially for the ACEP focusing on grasslands, wetlands, and farmlands, has grown. Details on these expansions surfaced in a news release on September 28, 2023.
Moreover, the Farm Bill isn't far behind with over $2 billion dedicated to producer-centric priorities. These span organic farming, urban agriculture, soil health, and even wildlife habitat development.
It aims to address the burgeoning demand for the programs, driving climate benefits, and assisting producers in tackling resource challenges.
FY 2024 funding will champion the Working Lands Conservation Action Framework. This framework zeroes in on conservation practices crucial for producers, especially when dealing with climate adversities like drought and water scarcity.
A gentle reminder for interested producers in South Dakota: Mark your calendars for November 3, 2023, for EQIP and CSP applications, and November 13 for ACEP. Here's a golden chance to draw from both the Farm Bill and IRA.
Final call to action - Don't miss out on this monumental opportunity. Dive into the wave of conservation and climate-conscious agriculture today!
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wwing
Categories: South Dakota, Business