USDA has announced nearly $75 million in grants for 15 projects under its Regional Conservation Partnership Program. RCPP projects bring together multiple groups to focus on increased conservation practices to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is working with the Iowa Clean Water Alliance. Executive Director Sean McMahon explains on the Iowa Systems Approach to Conservation Drainage Project will expand wetlands and develop watershed projects with at least 500 farmers in a 35-county area.
He says farmers and landowners can apply for the grants at their NRCS office starting on October 22 and they will figure the payment rate for each project.
McMahon says they are also expanding an existing RCPP grant program in Iowa.
Another RCPP grant recipient is the American Coalition for Ethanol. They will have $7.5 million to incentivize no-till farming, cover crops and nutrient management for farmers supplying a farmer-owned ethanol facility. The goal is to increase market access for low-carbon fuels standards based on greenhouse gas benefits.
