$235 Million Available for Innovative New Conservation Partnerships

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced an investment of up to $235 million to improve the nation's water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. The funding is being made available through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), the newest conservation tool of the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

RCPP was created by the 2014 Farm Bill and will allow you, as a retailer, to utilize your partnership with NRCS and help your customers with a conservation plan that is eligible for these funds.

Individual projects implemented under RCPP also help advance the voluntary efforts of the nutrient reduction strategy. Please share this important information with your farner-customers in a timely manner. The deadline for pre-proposals is July 8, 2015.

Read the full press release here: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/newsroom/releases/?cid=NRCSEPRD343611

Application information is available here: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/farmbill/rcpp/.