Kansas lands $35M for conservation under USDA's billion-dollar initiative

By Scout Nelson

The USDA has energized its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) with a significant boost, designating a historic $35 million to Kansas. This move is part of a broader, one-billion-dollar investment to bolster agricultural conservation through various climate-resilient projects nationwide.

Kris Ethridge, Kansas's Acting State Conservationist, hailed the RCPP's demand surge as a testament to the state's commitment to ground-level voluntary conservation. He underlined that the program's enhancements would catalyze conservation like never before, with streamlined processes set up to speed up project initiation and implementation.

RCPP improvements focus on simplifying procedures, thus accelerating conservation efforts and reinforcing local-led initiatives. Changes include one agreement policy for 2023 awards, state-led program management, and better-defined easement negotiation parameters. NRCS will enrich its guidance and training while upgrading business tools for efficiency in partnerships.

Among Kansas’s initiatives is the Kansas High Plains Aquifer Project, aiming for a 10% water use reduction and promoting practices like cover cropping and nutrient management. Ducks Unlimited’s multi-million-dollar Kansas Nebraska Wetland Initiative is also set to enhance thousands of acres of wetland and grassland habitats, tackling environmental challenges head-on.

This funding surge, backed by the Inflation Reduction Act and Farm Bill, propels the USDA's efforts in addressing climate change, water conservation, and agricultural sustainability. The combined funding from these Acts propels the RCPP to new heights, ensuring long-term benefits for the environment and public health.

The current allocation for 2023 reflects a doubling of the initial budget in response to overwhelming demand, extending project durations to optimally use available funds until 2031. From climate to water conservation projects, a diverse portfolio reflects the expansive reach of this year’s RCPP.

The USDA marks a milestone through the Inflation Reduction Act by enrolling an unprecedented number of farmers in voluntary conservation programs, addressing a longstanding enrollment backlog and setting the stage for tangible climate mitigation efforts.

The combined force of these initiatives underscores the proactive steps being taken to safeguard the environment for future generations, ensuring that Kansas remains at the forefront of sustainable agricultural practices.

Photo Credit: agricultural-business-council-of-kansas