Enrollment ending soon for USDA Climate Smart grants

Farmer enrollment in the USDA-funded Climate-Smart Commodities grant project led by partners A Greener World (AGW), Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) and Soil Health Institute (SHI) is open through September 9, 2024. This project has been awarded a grant with an approximate funding ceiling of $4,000,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, and will include 100 producers across the US, USVII and Puerto Rico.

The focus of this project, ‘Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers,’ is to assist small and underserved producers with climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design, and to incentivize participation in and the adoption of climate-smart practices. RAFI and SHI will work alongside AGW to assist farmers, ranchers, and landowners, with RAFI providing technical support in regenerative plan development and climate-smart practice implementation, and SHI providing practical and scientific expertise in soil health analysis and measurement. National Young Farmers Coalition and National Co+op Grocers will also support the project through farmer and supply chain outreach, with NCG raising awareness among and providing access to a network of 164 community-owned retail food coops.

The project welcomes farmers who have full management and control of their farms, ensuring a holistic approach to the entire farm operation. It is best suited for farmers seeking to achieve clear traceability of their projects and products, fostering transparency and accountability. As part of their participation farmers will receive:

• A $1250 stipend to cover time spent on climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design.
• Auditing and certification with Certified Regenerative by AGW (up to a $2050 value), third-party verification to help access new climate-smart markets and premiums.
• Access to incentive payments averaging $10,000, dependent on emissions reductions and specific implementation of climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices.
• Technical assistance through RAFI and customized marketing and labeling support through AGW.

Interested farmers and ranchers throughout the U.S. are encouraged to submit an interest form to be considered for participation by September 9, 2024. To learn more about the project and to sign-up, please visit agreenerworld.org/climate-smart or fill out the online interest form.

AGW news release