New $500M USDA funding for land protection

Sep 05, 2024
By Farms.com

2025 Conservation efforts bolstered by act

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a pivotal investment for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for the fiscal year 2025.

Supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, this funding aims to enhance the conservation of environmentally significant agricultural lands, grasslands, and wetlands.

Administered by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the ACEP will use the $500 million allocation to protect lands prone to conversion to non-conservation uses. This strategic funding is crucial for maintaining the ecological benefits provided by these lands, including carbon sequestration and natural resource conservation.

Landowners and other stakeholders are encouraged to engage with this program, with application deadlines for the upcoming funding cycles set for October and December 2024. This initiative not only supports the direct conservation efforts but also aligns with broader climate goals by preserving vital ecosystems.

The investment complements previous efforts under the Inflation Reduction Act, which added $1.4 billion over five years to the ACEP, reflecting a robust federal commitment to combating climate change through sustainable land management practices.

This enhancement of the ACEP is also a key component of the Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that the benefits of federal environmental investments reach communities most in need.

With these funds, the USDA continues to streamline processes to maximize the impact and efficiency of conservation efforts across the United States.

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