New partnership projects help farmers improve productivity, protect resources, and strengthen working lands across America
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced more than $325 million in funding for 42 conservation projects across the United States through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The investment is designed to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners strengthen their operations while protecting natural resources.
“The Trump USDA is committed to ensuring our farmers have the necessary tools to grow our food, and today's announcement ensures a longer and more prosperous future for our American farmlands,” said Brooke L. Rollins.
She added, “The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) pairs private investment with federal funds to deliver better results. Recently, we’ve taken steps to improve RCPP to reduce red tape and increase flexibility to better empower local partners to conserve natural resources while helping American farmers prosper."
The RCPP supports projects that address challenges related to soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and sustainable land management. USDA has also worked to simplify the program by reducing administrative barriers and providing greater flexibility to conservation partners and producers.
One of the largest projects highlighted in the announcement is located in Iowa. The initiative will encourage the use of cover crops, forage plantings, biomass crops, watering systems, and other conservation practices across western and central parts of the state. The project aims to improve working land while supporting livestock production and farm profitability.
Expected outcomes include the planting of more than 300,000 acres of cover crops and significant reductions in nutrient runoff and soil erosion. The effort is also expected to strengthen grazing systems, improve land stewardship, and support long-term agricultural productivity.
“Iowa’s popular Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program demonstrates that we can improve water quality, rebuild the U.S. cattle herd and make the most of every acre of our valuable farmland,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.
He added, “The Iowa Working Lands Program started out as a pilot project in Taylor County in 2016, and has since grown into a very successful conservation program in Iowa, while creating a model for other states. This RCPP gives us the flexibility to support infrastructure improvements and expand the program to serve livestock producers in more Iowa counties.”
USDA officials noted that conservation investments can help producers build resilient operations capable of adapting to environmental and economic challenges. By improving soil health and protecting water resources, farmers can maintain productive land for future generations.
Several major projects in other regions of the country were also selected for funding.
In Georgia, a working forest initiative will help protect thousands of acres of privately owned forestland through voluntary conservation easements. The project focuses on restoring longleaf pine ecosystems, improving wildlife habitat, supporting water quality, and helping landowners maintain productive forest operations. Strong financial support from project partners will further expand conservation efforts in the region.
Along the Texas Gulf Coast, a conservation partnership will work to preserve remaining coastal prairie lands. Rapid development and rising land values have increased pressure on agricultural acreage in the area. The project will help keep farmland in agricultural production while supporting wildlife habitat, healthy watersheds, and vibrant rural communities.
In Washington State, a watershed restoration effort will focus on improving critical salmon habitat. Conservation practices will include habitat restoration, wetland enhancements, tree planting, and floodplain improvements. The project aims to improve water quality while supporting fish populations and environmental resilience.
According to the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), public-private partnerships are a key part of the RCPP's success. By bringing together conservation groups, local organizations, agricultural producers, tribal partners, and government agencies, projects can address resource challenges more effectively.
The funding announcement also highlights support for projects led by Indigenous communities. USDA reserved $30 million specifically for projects involving Indian Tribes, recognizing their important role in conservation and natural resource management.
“At NRCS, we are committed to putting America’s farmers, ranchers, and private landowners first by investing in practical, producer-focused conservation solutions that strengthen agricultural operations and protect our natural resources,” said Colton L. Buckley, Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
He added, “Through RCPP, we are leveraging the power of public-private partnerships to deliver meaningful results for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. These investments will help producers address local resource challenges, improve the resilience of their operations, and keep working lands productive for generations to come.”
A major focus of this year's funding is ensuring resources reach producers directly. USDA stated that approximately 75% of the program's funding will either go directly to farmers and ranchers or help cover the cost of implementing conservation practices on working lands.
Projects were selected based on several priorities. These included improving soil health, enhancing water quality, protecting wildlife habitat, supporting long-term land productivity, and increasing resource efficiency. USDA also encouraged the use of precision agriculture technologies that allow producers to target conservation practices where they can deliver the greatest benefit.
Farmers-first initiatives received special attention during the selection process. USDA prioritized projects that offer planning assistance, technical expertise, and financial support to help producers adopt conservation practices successfully.
For more than 90 years, NRCS has worked alongside farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to support voluntary conservation efforts. Through programs like RCPP, the agency continues to help producers improve air, water, soil, and wildlife resources while strengthening farm businesses and rural economies.
The latest investment demonstrates USDA's commitment to conservation that supports both environmental stewardship and agricultural productivity, helping ensure America's working lands remain productive for years to come.
For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.
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