Protect Natural Resources
A healthy farm is part of a healthy community. Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food encourages sustainable agriculture practices and systems so that our nation's natural resources - our soil, water, and air - will be available for the next generation. We want to work with interested farmers and ranchers seeking to improve their resource management and lower their energy costs, and we have people on the ground that can help. USDA also wants to help preserve farm and ranch lands and encourage smart growth so that we can keep our agricultural lands in production and serving their communities.
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program protects natural resources by providing direct financial support to farmers and ranchers who want to improve their environmental stewardship. There is a $50 million set-aside reserved for farmers who would like to convert to organic production. » More...
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program
The Farm and Ranchland Protection Program is a voluntary program whose purpose is to protect agricultural lands by limiting non-agricultural uses. Funding is available for up to 50% of the purchase price of a conservation easment. The program is adminsitered through approved state, local, and non-profit entities who arrange for the purchase of development rights on private lands and then hold and manage these conservation easements in perpetuity. » More...
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NIFA)
The mission of the SARE program is to advance sustainable innovations to the whole of American agriculture. Since it began in 1988, SARE has funded more than 4,000 sustainable agriculture research, education and professional development projects across the country. Sharing project results is a cornerstone of the SARE program, with field days, workshops and conferences in every region?and an Outreach office producing an ever-growing library of books, bulletins, online resources as well as a vast archive of know-your-farmer profiles of SARE grantees. SARE is uniquely grassroots, administered by four regional offices guided by administrative councils of local experts. While every region offers Research and Education, Professional Development, Farmer/Rancher Research grants, some regions also offer Graduate Student, Sustainable Community Innovation, and Planning grants. » More...
EQIP Organic conversion cost share (NRCS)
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program protects natural resources by providing direct financial support to farmers and ranchers who want to improve their environmental stewardship. There is a $50 million set-aside reserved for farmers who would like to convert to organic production. » More...
