Today marks the official opening of the North Dakota application window for a pilot project that rewards farmers and ranchers for implementing high-value conservation practices on their land. Producers have one month to apply for enrollment in the Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture program. If accepted, they will earn $100 an acre or animal unit to adopt or maintain practices that curb greenhouse gas emissions.
North Dakota is one of just four states participating in the pilot project, funded through a three-year $57-million USDA grant. Participation is limited to seven soil conservation districts: Cass, Foster, McKenzie, Mercer, Rolette, Stark/Billings and Ward. The project will provide roughly $6 million in producer payments this enrollment cycle.
Producers can enroll up to 320 acres or animal units for a maximum payout of $32,000 annually. Producers who enrolled in 2024 are eligible to enroll again in 2025, but they can’t enroll the same acres for the same practice. Sixteen different conservation practices are eligible under program guidelines.
Nationally, the program is led by Virginia Tech. North Dakota Farmers Union is serving as the state lead, with the North Dakota Conservation District Employees Association and soil conservation districts providing technical assistance for growers. The North Dakota Grain Growers Association is also partnering with North Dakota Farmers Union on producer outreach.
To enroll or learn more about the program, visit allianceforcsa.org or contact your local soil conservation district. Farms and ranches must be located in one of the eight eligible counties. Deadline to apply is Feb. 7.
North Dakota Farmers Union news release
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