American Farmland Trust

EXPANDS MARKETS FOR CLIMATE-SMART BEEF IN AL, GA, MD, MS, OK, PA, TX, VA AND SUPPORTS FARMER AND RANCHER IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF CLIMATE-SMART PRACTICES.

PURCHASE LAND AND PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS TO INCREASE CAPITAL AND MARKET ACCESS.

TRANSFERRING FARMS TO A NEW GENERATION

AGRICULTURAL PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION USDA FARM BILL PROGRAMS ON PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND IN VARIOUS STATES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.

THIS IS A NATIONAL AGREEMENT TO STRENGTHEN EFFORTS IN STATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO AID PRODUCERS AND LANDOWNERS WITH ACHIEVING THEIR CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES.

AGRICULTURAL PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT TO ACCELERATE USDA FARM BILL NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION PROGRAM DELIVERY TO FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND FOREST LAND MANAGERS ON PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND IN VARIOUS STATES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.

** AWARDS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 20, 2025, WERE FUNDED UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS AND MAY NOT REFLECT THE PRIORITIES AND POLICIES OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.** UNDERSERVED PRODUCERS FACE NUMEROUS BARRIERS TO ACCESSING USDA PROGRAMS, INCLUDING LACK OF: KNOWLEDGE OF USDA PROGRAMS; LANGUAGE SKILLS, TIME, RESOURCES, AND SUFFICIENT SUPPORT; TRUST IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT; FUNDAMENTAL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SKILLS; AND FARM VIABILITY AND SECURE LAND TENURE. AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST'S (AFT) PROPOSED PROJECT, GROWING EQUITY, WILL IMPROVE SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPATION IN USDA PROGRAMS AND SERVICES BY INCREASING THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF BUSINESS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (BTA) PROVIDED TO UNDERSERVED FARMERS AND RANCHERS ACROSS THE NATION. THROUGH TWO OBJECTIVES, 1) INCREASE UNDERSERVED PRODUCER ACCESS TO USDA PROGRAMS THROUGH EXPANDED OUTREACH, COACHING, AND BTA AND 2) INCREASE UNDERSERVED PRODUCER ACCESS TO USDA PROGRAMS THROUGH EXPANDED EDUCATION AND NETWORKING FOR BTA PROVIDERS, AFT WILL ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING:1) 11,500 UNDERSERVED PRODUCERS RECEIVE OUTREACH ABOUT USDA PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.2) 1,650 UNDERSERVED PRODUCERS RECEIVE COACHING SERVICES TO SUPPORT THEM IN CONSIDERING AND APPLYING FOR USDA PROGRAMS.3) 165 UNDERSERVED PRODUCERS RECEIVE STANDARD BTA SERVICES TO INCREASE THEIR OVERALL VIABILITY.4) 22 BTA SERVICE PROVIDERS FORM A NETWORK THAT INCREASES KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND CAPACITY TO CONDUCT EFFECTIVE OUTREACH, COACHING, AND BTA TO UNDERSERVED PRODUCERS.5) 250 BTA PROVIDERS HAVE INCREASED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO CONDUCT EFFECTIVE OUTREACH, COACHING, AND BTA TO UNDERSERVED PRODUCERS.BY FUNDING BTA PROVIDERS TO WORK SPECIFICALLY WITH UNDERSERVED PRODUCERS AND BY SUPPORTING THE CONTINUING EDUCATION OF BTA PROVIDERS, THIS PROPOSAL WILL HELP UNDERSERVED PRODUCERS BETTER ACCESS USDA PROGRAMS, WHICH WILL IN TURN CREATE A STRONGER, MORE INCLUSIVE, MORE VIABLE, AND MORE RESILIENT FARM SECTOR.

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO BIOCHAR ADOPTION ON FARMS FROM COAST TO COAST.

EVALUATE SOIL HEALTH PRACTICES ON FRPP CONSERVATION LANDS, DEVELOP AND DELIVER TOOLS AND TRAINING TO PROMOTE SOIL HEALTH PRACTICES, AND DEVELOP A NETWORK TO HIGHLIGHT PRACTICES AND EVALUATE CHANGES.

ENABLE THE FARMLAND INFORMATION CENTER/NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL LAND NETWORK TO SUPPORT PRACTITIONERS WORKING TO SAVE AG LAND, EXPAND THE ACEP-ALE ONLINE RESOURCES AND ADDRESS CRITICAL NRCS PRIORITIES.

CONQUERING COVER CROP CHALLENGES COAST TO COAST STATEMENT OFWORK BEING AMENDED TO REFLECT REDUCTION IN SCOPE DUE TO BUDGET REDUCTION FROM ORIGINAL PROPOSAL. REMOVED WA AND OR SITES

THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS TO PROVIDE DIRECT TECHNICAL SERVICES TO PLAN AND/OR IMPLEMENT CONSERVATION PRACTICES THROUGHOUT MASSACHUSETTS.

INFLATION REDUCTION ACT PLANNING PARTNERSHIP.

FARMING FOR CLEANER WATER - UPPER SCIOTO RIVER WATERSHED PROJECT: DEMONSTRATING A PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROGRAM BASED ON THE STEWARDSHIP TOOL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

FARMLAND INFORMATION CENTER AND FARMS UNDER THREAT INITIATIVE OUTREACHEFFORTS TO TURN KNOWLEDGE INTO ACTION TO STRENGTHEN FARMLAND PROTECTIONEFFORTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

THE PURPOSE IS TO PROMOTE THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP INTEXAS.

TO ENHANCE GRAZING MANAGEMENT PLAN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ACCESS FOR KS RANCHERS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED, WOMEN, AND NON-OPERATING LANDOWNERS IN KS.

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST WILL WORK WITH A DIVERSE SET OF PARTNERS TO ACCELERATE ADOPTION OF SOIL REGENERATIVE AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE GENESEE RIVER WATERSHED THROUGH ON-FARM DEMONSTRATIONS AND FAMMER-LED TRAININGS AND OUTREACH. THE PROJECT WILL ENGAGE 1,300 FARMERS, LANDOWNERS, AND ADVISORS AND PREVENT LOADINGS OF APPROXIMATELY 45 LBS OF PHOSPHORUS, 30 TONS OF SEDIMENT, AND 7,500 LBS OF NITROGEN TO THE GENESEE RIVER DURING THE PROJECT PERIOD .

EVALUATE AND DOCUMENT WHETHER SOIL HEALTH PRACTICES ARE PART OF ON-GOING FRPP CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES, DEVELOP DELIVER TOOLS AND TRAINING FOR THE ENTITIES.

THIS ACTION APPROVES AN AWARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $853,866 TO THE AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST, DC TO SUPPORT THEIR EFFORTS WITH IMPROVING WATER QUALITY IN THE GULF OF MEXICO AND CENTRAL OHIO THROUGH AN INNOVATIVE PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROGRAM. THIS PROJECT WILL DEMONSTRATE HOW SPECIFIC FARMING PRACTICES CAN BE UTILIZED IN THE GULF OF MEXICO WATERSHED TO DECREASE THE NUTRIENT LOAD TO THE GULF OF MEXICO THROUGH THE MONITORING OF WATER QUALITY AFTER FARMERS HAVE UTILIZED THESE PRACTICES ON THEIR CROPLAND.

THE OVERARCHING GOAL OF TRANSITIONING LAND TO A NEW GENERATION IS TO ENSURE A NEW GENERATION OF FARMERS AND RANCHERS CAN ACHIEVE SECURE LAND TENURE TO SUPPORT VIABLE AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS. WE PROPOSE TO CREATE AN ADAPTABLE, SKILLS-BASED CURRICULUM THAT CAN BE USED ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO PREPARE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS TO BE LAND TRANSFER TRAINERS (LTTS) SO THAT THEY CAN BETTER SUPPORT BEGINNERS AND AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS AS THEY CONFRONT THE COMPLEX FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND INTERPERSONAL ISSUES RELATED TO LAND TRANSFER. FURTHER, WE SEEK TO GROW AN EVER-EXPANDING NETWORK OF SKILLED PROFESSIONALS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO MEET GROWING DEMANDS TO FACILITATE FARM SUCCESSION AND ACCESS TO LAND. THIS APPROACH BUILDS ON AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST'S (AFT) SUCCESSFUL 2015 BFRDP ET PROJECT, FARMLAND FOR THE NEXT GENERATION.AFT IS PROPOSING THIS WORK BECAUSE A SEISMIC TRANSITION OF LAND IS ON THE HORIZON. MORE THAN 40% OF AMERICAN FARMLAND--371 MILLION ACRES--IS OWNED BY SENIORS AGED 65 AND OLDER, BOTH SENIOR PRINCIPAL OPERATORS AND NONOPERATOR LANDLORDS. AT THE SAME TIME, ACCESS TO LAND IS A MAJOR BARRIER FOR YOUNG, BEGINNING, AND SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED (NEW GEN) FARMERS AND RANCHERS WHO WANT TO SUCCEED IN AGRICULTURE.THIS PROJECT IS BOTH URGENT AND TIMELY. THE RELEASE OF THE 2017 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE IS A STARK REMINDER THAT THE STAKES OF TRANSFER ARE HIGH. WHILE ONLY 16% OF PRIMARY PRODUCERS ARE UNDER AGE 45, 38% ARE AGED 65 OR OLDER--WITH A 15% INCREASE OF RETIREMENT AGE PRODUCERS SINCE THE 2012 CENSUS. MORE THAN SIX TIMES AS MANY PRIMARY PRODUCERS ARE AGE 65 AND OLDER AS THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 35. THIS IMBALANCE IS ESPECIALLY PRONOUNCED WHEN COMPARED WITH THE GENERAL EMPLOYED WORKFORCE, WHERE MORE THAN 5 TIMES AS MANY WORKERS ARE UNDER 35 AS OVER 65.IT USED TO BE THAT LAND PASSED FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION THROUGH CRADLE, ALTER, OR GRAVE. TODAY MOST FARMLAND IS ACQUIRED FROM A NON-RELATIVE. WHILE RESOURCES EXIST TO SUPPORT TRADITIONAL FARM SUCCESSION SITUATIONS, FEW ARE AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS TRANSFER TO A NEW AND MORE DIVERSE GENERATION OF FARMERS AND RANCHERS--ESPECIALLY THOSE WHOSE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, VALUES AND GOALS DIFFER FROM CURRENT AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS.FAMILIES SPEND YEARS MANAGING THEIR FARMS AND RANCHES WITH THE HOPE OF KEEPING FUTURE GENERATIONS ON THE LAND. HOWEVER, MANY OPERATIONS ARE NOT PROFITABLE ENOUGH TO TRANSFER. IN OTHER CASES, HEIRS WANT TO MANAGE THEIR OWN--OR A DIFFERENT KIND OF OPERATION, OR DO NOT WANT TO CONTINUE IN AGRICULTURE AT ALL. THESE ARE COMPLEX AND CHARGED ISSUES WHICH REQUIRE EMPATHY AND EMOTIONAL SENSITIVITY ALONG WITH TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE TO RESOLVE.NAVIGATING TRANSFER ISSUES WITH NONRELATIVES IS EQUALLY--IF NOT MORE--CHALLENGING. IT TAKES EXTRA SKILL TO BRIDGE CULTURAL, DEMOGRAPHIC AND PRODUCTION SYSTEM DIFFERENCES. AND IT TAKES EXTRA EFFORT TO CONNECT NEW GEN PRODUCERS WITH NONOPERATOR LANDOWNERS - INCLUDING WOMEN NONFARMING LANDLORDS (WNOLS), LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, LAND TRUSTS, CHURCHES, AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS WHO HAVE SUITABLE LAND AND ARE WILLING TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO NEW GEN PRODUCERS. HOWEVER, A DEARTH OF RESOURCES IS AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS THE FULL BREADTH AND DEPTH OF THESE ISSUES. IN SEARCHING FARM ANSWERS, WE DID NOT FIND CURRICULUM OR PROGRAMS THAT TAKE THIS KIND OF HOLISTIC, 21ST CENTURY APPROACH TO FARM TRANSFER.IT HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED THAT ACCESS TO LAND IS A PERVASIVE CHALLENGE FOR YOUNG AND BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS. IT IS ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT FOR BEGINNERS TO ACQUIRE AFFORDABLE LAND WITH APPROPRIATE HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DUE TO FARM CONSOLIDATION, APPRECIATION OF LAND VALUES, CONVERSION OF FARMLAND TO DEVELOPMENT, AND A TIGHT SUPPLY OF LAND TO PURCHASE OR RENT. USDA ESTIMATED THAT ONLY 10% OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS WOULD CHANGE HANDS BETWEEN 2015 AND 2019, AND ONLY 2% TO A NONFAMILY MEMBER. WHETHER OR NOT NEW GEN PRODUCERS WILL INHERIT LAND, THEY NEED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO NEGOTIATE WITH FAMILY MEMBERS AND/OR NONRELATIVES TO ACHIEVE SECURE LAND TENURE.THESE ISSUES ARE AGGRAVATED BY THE FACT THAT NEW GEN PRODUCERS ARE MORE DIVERSE THAN PRIOR GENERATIONS AND MUCH MORE SO THAN AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS, 98 % OF WHOM ARE WHITE. FARM LABORERS ALSO ARE INCREASINGLY DIVERSE. AFRICAN AMERICAN, ASIAN AMERICAN, BLACK, NATIVE AMERICAN, HAWAIIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER, AND HISPANIC FARMERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE TENANTS AND OWN LESS LAND, ALTHOUGH MANY WANT TO BE INDEPENDENT OPERATORS AND ARE QUALIFIED TO MANAGE THEIR OWN OPERATIONS. HEIRS' PROPERTY AND FRACTIONATED PROPERTY RIGHTS FURTHER IMPEDE INHERITANCE ESPECIALLY FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN AND NATIVE AMERICAN PRODUCERS. YET FEW FARM TRANSFER RESOURCES ADDRESS THESE THORNY ISSUES.AT THE SAME TIME, THE TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS ALSO ARE INCREASINGLY VARIED--FROM INDIVIDUALS TO INSTITUTIONS. INSTITUTIONAL LANDOWNERS OFTEN HAVE AVAILABLE FARMLAND BUT DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIND OR NEGOTIATE SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS WITH QUALIFIED NEW GEN PRODUCERS. IN ADDITION, 544,000 WNOLS PLAY AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN FARM TRANSFER. THEY OWN ABOUT 25% OF THE 354 MILLION ACRES RENTED OUT FOR FARMING AND ARE ESPECIALLY COMMITTED TO FARM FAMILIES AND FARM COMMUNITIES. EVEN FEWER RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO ENGAGE AND SUPPORT NONOPERATING LANDOWNERS TO TRANSITION THEIR LAND TO NEW GEN PRODUCERS. FARMANSWERS.ORG DOES PROVIDE VALUABLE FARM TRANSFER RESOURCES, YET NONE REALLY ADDRESS RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN INCREASINGLY DIVERSE NEW GEN DEMOGRAPHICS AND MULTIPLE TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS. PROGRAMS INCLUDE LAND FOR GOOD'S FARM LEGACY PROGRAM, NATIONAL YOUNG FARMERS COALITION'S (NYFC) FINDING FARMLAND COURSE, CALIFORNIA FARM LINK'S FARM SUCCESSION GUIDEBOOK AND RENEWING THE COUNTRYSIDE' S FARMLAND ACCESS HUB. FURTHER, ASIDE FROM AFT'S PRIOR BFRDP WORK AND NYFC'S FINDING FARMLAND, THESE PROGRAMS ARE REGIONALLY BASED IN AREAS WITH ROBUST FARMER SERVICES, LEAVING MUCH OF THE COUNTRY WITHOUT LOCAL EXPERTISE.AFT IS FILLING THIS VOID. THROUGH THIS EDUCATIONALTEAM PROJECT, WE PROPOSE TO: 1. EVALUATE EXISTING CURRICULA, PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES RELATED TO LAND TRANSFER; 2. DEVELOP CURRICULUM AND MATERIALS TO FILL GAPS; 3. PREPARE A COHORT OF LAND TRANSFER TRAINERS TO TRAIN NEW GEN PRODUCERS, LANDOWNERS AND OTHER TRAINER; AND 4. EXPAND AND CONTINUE TO SERVE A NETWORK OF LAND TRANSFER PROFESSIONALS, NEW GEN PRODUCERS AND LANDOWNERS THROUGH THE AFT'S FARMLAND INFORMATION CENTER AND BFRDP CURRICULUM AND TRAINING CLEARINGHOUSE.OUR PRIMARY TARGET AUDIENCES ARE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS, NEW GEN FARMERS AND RANCHERS, AND AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS WHO ARE READY TO TRANSFER LAND, INCLUDING SENIOR PRODUCERS AND NONFARMING LANDOWNERS. OUR GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE IS NATIONAL. WE WILL SELECT PARTICIPANTS FROM EACH OF THE 10 USDA-ERS PRODUCTION REGIONS TO ENSURE REPRESENTATION FROM DIFFERENT STATES, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND DEMOGRAPHICS.OUR APPROACH IS DESIGNED TO PREPARE A NETWORK OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS TOHELP NEW GEN PRODUCERS AND ALL KINDS OF AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS GAIN THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS THEY NEED TO EFFECTIVELY NEGOTIATE LAND TRANSFER AND TENURE ARRANGEMENTS. THE FUTURE OF US AGRICULTURE AND OUR FOOD SYSTEM DEPENDS ON IT.

EPA FUNDS DISTRIBUTED THROUGH A COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM FOR PROJECTS THAT INVESTIGATE PEST CONTROL ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICALS BEING REVIEWED UNDER

** AWARDS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 20, 2025, WERE FUNDED UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS AND MAY NOT REFLECT THE PRIORITIES AND POLICIES OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.** THROUGH A THREE-YEAR PROJECT, ADVANCING WATER RESILIENT STRATEGIES - SUPPORTING ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART FARMING PRACTICES BY SMALL AND MID-SCALE UNDERSERVED PRODUCERS ON THE WEST COAST, AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST (AFT), IN COLLABORATION WITH NORTHWEST CLIMATE HUB, CALIFORNIA CLIMATE HUB, OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, THE DRY FARMING INSTITUTE, AND OREGON CLIMATE AND AGRICULTURE NETWORK, WILL WORK TO BUILD STRONGER REGIONAL NETWORKS OF AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PEER-TO-PEER PRODUCER COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE WORKING WITHIN AND ACROSS WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND CALIFORNIA TO ADVANCE LANDSCAPE LEVEL AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SYSTEM RESILIENCE TO DROUGHT AND CLIMATE INSTABILITY. A WATER RESILIENCE COORDINATOR WILL BE HIRED TO FACILITATE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PARTNERS AND PROMOTE INTEGRATED RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND OUTREACH INVOLVING WATER RESILIENCE AND CLIMATE SMART FARMING PRACTICES. VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSIONS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR AGRICULTURAL PROFESSIONALS IN WA, OR, AND CA THAT FOCUS ON ON-FARM SOLUTIONS FOR WATER RESILIENCE. THESE SESSIONS WILL BE TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF ATTENDEES USING DATA COLLECTED FROM PRE- AND POST-SURVEYS. IN ADDITION TO AGRICULTURAL PROFESSIONALS, FARMERS WILL ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN BY BEING EXPOSED TO REGIONALLY APPROPRIATE EXAMPLES OF WATER RESILIENT STRATEGIES THROUGH 12 HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS. PEER-TO-PEER LEARNING CIRCLES WILL BE CONDUCTED TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE, ACCESS TO RESOURCES, AND THE CONFIDENCE OF BEGINNING, SMALL-SCALE, UNDERSERVED WOMEN PRODUCERS IN THE REGION. THE OUTCOMES AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE VARIOUS TRAINING, DEMONSTRATIONS, AND LEARNING CIRCLES WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED USING STORYTELLING, CASE STUDIES, AND MAPPING TO BROADCAST THIS INFORMATION TO A WIDER AUDIENCE.

ARMY COMPATIBLE USE BUFFER (ACUBS) IN THE VICINITY OF FORT HOOD MILITARY INSTALLATION

TO PROVIDE LATINO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS WITH IMPROVED ACCESS TO USDA TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES, FINANCIAL LITERACY, AND RISK MANAGEMENT TOOLS INCLUDING SUPPORT FOR ACCESSING CAPITAL, BUSINESS SKILL DEVELOPMENT, MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL LEASE AGREEMENT DEVELOPMENT, CONSERVATION PRACTICE ADOPTION, AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT BOOKKEEPING.

FARMLAND FOR THE NEXT GENERATION:TRAINING THE TRAINERS TO HELP BEGINNERS SECURE LAND AND SUCCEED IN AGRICULTURE

TO CREATE EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITIES IN CONSERVATION FOR HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED FARMERS AND LANDOWNERS IN THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES.

**AWARDS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 20, 2025, WERE FUNDED UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS AND MAY NOT REFLECT THE PRIORITIES AND POLICIES OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.** VETERAN WOMEN FOR THE LAND,AIMS TO FOSTER A COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE AMONG VETERAN WOMEN FARMERS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST THROUGH A SERIES OF LISTENING SESSIONS, LEARNING CIRCLES, AND CONVENINGS. THIS EXTENSION PROJECT WILL OFFER A HYBRID COMBINATION OF IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TAILORED TO THE PARTICIPANTS' INTERESTS. THE PROJECT WILL FURTHER THE GOALS OF THE AGVETS PROGRAM BY SUPPORTING NON-FORMAL EDUCATION TO PROVIDE VETERAN WOMEN WITH THE NECESSARY SKILLS, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE THEY NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN AGRICULTURE. THE PROJECT WILL OFFER LEARNING PROGRAMS THAT INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY TO NEW AUDIENCES, EXPAND KNOWLEDGE AND ENGAGEMENT, AND LEAD TO ACTIONS THAT ENHANCE THE NATION'S FOOD SUPPLY, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AND COMMUNITY VITALITY. THE PROJECT WILL ALSO SHED LIGHT ON THE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES OF FARMERS WHO ARE NAVIGATING THE COMPLEX INTERSECTION OF GENDER, RURALITY, AND VETERAN'S STATUS.AFT PROPOSES TO LEVERAGE AND DISSEMINATE THE LESSONS LEARNED THROUGH THIS PROJECT TO GUIDE A BROADER UNDERSTANDING AMONG AGRICULTURAL AND VETERAN SERVICE PROVIDERS OF THE CHALLENGES THIS FARMING AUDIENCE FACES. THROUGH THIS PROJECT, AFT INTENDS TO CREATE PATHWAYS TO IMPROVE OUTREACH TO AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERAN WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE, BE IT FOR LANDOWNERS WHO ARE LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF THEIR LAND OR NEW FARMERS WHO ARE LOOKING TO ACCESS LAND AND OPPORTUNITY.?

** AWARDS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 20, 2025, WERE FUNDED UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS AND MAY NOT REFLECT THE PRIORITIES AND POLICIES OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.** THIS PROJECT LEVERAGES UNIVERSITY-BASED RESEARCH AT THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN DATA SCIENCE/ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND AGRICULTURAL AREAS TO IMPROVE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND ADVANCE US FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ENTERPRISES. SPECIFICALLY, THIS PROJECT: (1) TRACKS AND MODELS CHANGES IN IRRIGATION LAND COVER PATTERNS USING A FULLY AI-BASED SUITE OF BIG DATA APPLICATIONS, (2) BETTER INFORMS THE FUTURE OF IRRIGATED ROW CROPS THROUGH MACHINE LEARNING, AND (3) PROVIDES NEW RURAL REVENUE PATHWAYS BY PROACTIVELY IDENTIFYING REGIONS WHERE FUTURE IRRIGATION IS ECONOMICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FAVORABLE IN UNDER-UTILIZED REGIONS OF THE COUNTRY. OUR PROJECT SPANS 1980-2075, GOING BOTH FORWARD AND BACKWARD IN TIME, WHERE OUR AI APPLICATIONS ARE TRAINED IN OVER 20 YEARS OF OBSERVED DATA RECORDS. OUR PROJECT ADDRESSES FOUR OF THE SIX AFRI PRIORITIES (PLANT HEALTH AND PRODUCTION AND PLANT PRODUCTS; BIOENERGY, NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT; AGRICULTURE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY; AGRICULTURE ECONOMICS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES) AND THREE OF THE SIX AI PILLARS (ADVANCING TRUSTWORTHY AI; EDUCATION AND TRAINING; APPLICATIONS). WE MEET ALL OF THE CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, AND WE FURTHER INTRODUCE A NOVEL BROADER IMPACTS INITIATIVE CREATING CUSTOM LEARNING MATERIALS FOR K-12 ENVIRONMENTS, AMONG OTHER NOTABLE BORDER IMPACT EFFORTS. COLLECTIVELY, OUR PROJECT ALIGNS DIRECTLY WITH THE USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT KEY PRIORITIES AND CAN FOUNDATIONALLY ADVANCE BOTH UNDERSTANDING AND AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS WITHIN IRRIGATED PRODUCTION ZONES.

TO PROMOTE THE PROTECTION AND STEWARDSHIP OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AND INCREASE VISIBILITY AND CAPACITY FOR NRCS ENTITY-HELD EASEMENT PROGRAMS IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA.

EXPANDING THE CONSERVATION PLANNING IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION OF NEW YORK THROUGH THE DEMONSTRATION FARM NETWORK

GET CLIMATE SMART: FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS RESILIENCE TRAINING

THE GRANT RECIPIENT WILL ADMINISTER A COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM WITH PROJECTS THAT REDUCE PESTICIDE RISK TO HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL HEALTH BY IMPLEMEN

THIS PROJECT SEEKS TO SHIFT THE PARADIGM AROUND LIVESTOCK, NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT, COVER CROPS, AND SOIL HEALTH AND HELP REALIZE THE EN VIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF LIVESTOCK GRAZING COVER CROPS.

TO INCREASE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS TO PROMOTE LAND STEWARDSHIP AND CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.

OUTREACH <(>&<)> TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

GEOGRAPHICAL AND FUNCTIONAL EXPANSION OF THE PNW BIOCHAR ATLAS - AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST

THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT, BETWEEN THE USDA, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE AND AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST, IS PROVIDING STAFF TIME AND RESOURCES TO PUTTING CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION PLANNING ON THE GROUND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FARMERS THROUGH DEVELOPMENT OF WHOLE FARM RESILIENCE PLANS WITH FARMS, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CLIMATE ADAPTATION PRACTICES, PEER LEARNING AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

IMPROVE LAND ACCESS FOR URBAN FARMERS VIA OUTREACH AND LAND USE POLICY IN ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK

PROTECT HIGH-PRIORITY FARM AND RANCHLAND FROM DEVELOPMENT AN SUPPORT THE ADOPTION OF CONSERVATION PRACTICES ON, AND PROTECTION OF, URBAN AND SUBURBAN AGRICULTURAL LAND.

CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT, BETWEEN THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS) AND AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST IS TO ACCELERATE THE ADOPTION OF SOIL HEALTH MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND SOIL HEALTH PRACTICES THROUGH A FACILITATED PEER-TO-PEER COHORT APPROACH ON CONNECTICUT FARMS.

TO IMPROVE OUTREACH, COORDINATION EFFORTS AND RELATIONSHIPS AMONG NRCS AND WOMEN FARMERS.

METHODS FOR PAYMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FROM ADOPTION OF BENEFICIAL FARM MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST CENTER FOR AGRICULTURE IN THE ENVIRONMENT AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

** AWARDS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 20, 2025, WERE FUNDED UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS AND MAY NOT REFLECT THE PRIORITIES AND POLICIES OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.** THE PROJECT WILL DEVELOP AND PUBLISH A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE AND VETTED REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE CURRICULUM IN COLLABORATION WITH AN ADVISORY COUNCIL AND THROUGH TWO SCHOOL YEARS OF TRAINING PARTICIPATING TEACHERS, PILOTING CURRICULUM DELIVERY, AND ENHANCING THE CURRICULUM WITH A TOTAL OF 10 HIGH SCHOOLS IN OHIO AND 10 HIGH SCHOOLS IN KANSAS. THE PROJECT GOAL IS TO FILL A GAP IN NEED FOR A HIGH QUALITY, ADAPTABLE, AND UP-TO-DATE CURRICULUM ON REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS THAT MEETS NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR AGRISCIENCE. THE PROJECT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE SPECA PROGRAM GOAL TO ATTRACT, INSPIRE, AND RETAIN AN ENGAGED AND MOTIVATED WORKFORCE THAT&#39;S PROUD TO REPRESENT USDA BY INCREASING THE RATE OF STUDENTS THAT VIEW THE AGRICULURE SECTOR AS A VIABLE CAREER PATH AS A RESULT OF THE PROJECT CURRICULUM. THE PROJECT ALSO CONTRIBUTES TO THE SPECA PROGRAM GOAL TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN RURAL AND TRIBAL COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF REGENERATIVE PRACTICES THAT CAN ENHANCE THE ECONOMIC RETURNS ON INVESTMENT FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS AND RESTORE SOIL HEALTH FOR LON-TERM STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS TO FORM A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN NRCS ANDAFT, WHEREBY AFT WILL EMPLOY SOIL CONSERVATIONISTS TO PROVIDE STATEWIDEPROGRAM SUPPORT TO NRCS.

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVE PROGRAM

DESCRIPTION: THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST TO ORGANIZE A SERIES OF TRAINING WEBINARS FOR NONPOINT SOURCE (NPS) AGRICULTURAL PROJECT MANAGERS TO TRAIN THEM TO QUANTIFY WATER QUALITY, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, AND ECONOMIC OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSERVATION PRACTICES ADOPTED IN THEIR PROJECTS. THERE MAY BE OVER 1,000 FARM CONSERVATION MANAGERS WHO WISH TO QUANTIFY THE ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND ECONOMIC OUTCOMES OF THEIR PROJECTS. HOWEVER, AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST (AFT) SURMISES THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE STAFF AND PARTNERS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE PROJECTS DO NOT HAVE COMPUTER MODELING SKILLS OR THE RESOURCES TO HIRE PARTNERS TO DEVELOP SOPHISTICATED WATERSHED-BASED OR FIELD-BASED MODELS TO ESTIMATE THEIR WATER QUALITY BENEFITS. THUS, AFT DEVELOPED A GUIDE TO WATER QUALITY, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, AND ECONOMIC OUTCOMES ESTIMATION TOOLS (OET). AFT'S WEBINAR SERIES WILL BE AIMED AT THE OVER 1,000 AGRICULTURAL NONPOINT SOURCE (NPS) PROJECT MANAGERS TO ENSURE THEY ARE AWARE OF THE OET GUIDE AND KNOW OF THE INSIGHTS THAT IT OFFERS TO INFORM SELECTION OF A TOOL TO SATISFY A PROJECT'S NEEDS FOR SPECIFIC OUTCOMES QUANTIFICATION AT PARTICULAR SCALES, GEOGRAPHIES, PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, AND FOR SPECIFIC PRIORITY CONSERVATION PRACTICES. ACTIVITIES: AFT AIMS TO ORGANIZE ABOUT SIX TO EIGHT TRAINING WEBINARS, FEATURING DIFFERENT OUTCOMES ESTIMATION TOOLS OR METHODS EACH YEAR, OVER THE COURSE OF TWO YEARS. AFT'S WEBINAR SERIES WILL BE AIMED AT THE OVER 1,000 AGRICULTURAL NONPOINT SOURCE (NPS) PROJECT MANAGERS. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: - PLANNING THE WEBINARS BY GAINING INSIGHTS INTO TRAINING PRIORITIES THROUGH DISCUSSIONS WITH EPA, USDA, STAKEHOLDERS AND A NEEDS ASSESSMENT. - WORK WITH THE IDENTIFIED TOOL DEVELOPERS ON TRAINING MATERIAL(S). EACH WEBINAR WILL FEATURE A NEW TOOL AND EACH TOOL'S DEVELOPER WILL PROVIDE AN IN-DEPTH TRAINING ON THEIR TOOL TO MANAGERS WHO HAVE IDENTIFIED THAT TOOL AS AN OPTION FOR THEIR PROJECT. - ORGANIZE AND HOST TRAINING WEBINARS FEATURING DIFFERENT OUTCOME ESTIMATION TOOLS OR METHODS OVER TWO YEARS. - ANALYZE PREVIOUS FEEDBACK TO UNDERSTAND THE BARRIERS TO QUANTIFYING OUTCOMES, GEOGRAPHIC TARGETING, AND IDENTIFYING CRITICAL SOURCE AREAS, AS WELL AS RECOGNIZING WHICH INFORMATION AND HOW IT IS PRESENTED THROUGH A TRAINING WEBINAR WOULD BEST AMELIORATE THOSE BARRIERS. - DEVELOP APPROPRIATE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES AND SHARE THE RECORDINGS OF THE TRAINING WEBINARS WITH VARIOUS NETWORKS. OUTCOMES: RESULTS OF ACTIVITIES (OUTPUTS): AFT ANTICIPATE THE FOLLOWING OUTPUTS (DELIVERABLES/PRODUCTS) OF THIS PROJECT: - ASSESSMENT RESULTS AND A NEEDS ANALYSIS OF THE PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO OUTCOMES QUANTIFICATION EXPERIENCED BY THE MANAGERS OF FARM CONSERVATION PROJECTS FUNDED BY EPA AND NRCS (IF THE ASSESSMENT IS DISTRIBUTED BY EPA AND NRCS). AFT ANTICIPATES THIS COULD BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE FIRST OR SECOND QUARTER OF YEAR 1. - SIX TO EIGHT LIVE TRAINING WEBINARS (PER YEAR FOR 2 YEARS), THAT TEACH FARM CONSERVATION PROJECT MANAGERS HOW TO QUANTIFY WATER QUALITY, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, AND ECONOMIC OUTCOMES. EACH WEBINAR MAY HAVE ADDITIONAL MATERIALS AND HANDOUTS FOR THE TARGET AUDIENCE. - RECORDINGS OF EACH WEBINAR MADE AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND FROM AN AFT WEBSITE AND YOUTUBE. - PRESS RELEASES AND SOCIAL MEDIA TO ANNOUNCE THE TRAINING WEBINAR SERIES AND EACH WEBINAR TO AFT'S LISTS OF CONSERVATION PROFESSIONALS AND PARTNERS. - RESULTS AND ANALYSIS OF THE SOCIAL CHANGES MEASURED IN EVALUATIONS OF THE WEBINAR ATTENDEES. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT (OUTCOMES): AFT ANTICIPATES ACHIEVEMENT OF BEHAVIORAL AND PROGRAMMATIC OUTCOMES AS A RESULT OF THIS PROJECT'S OUTPUTS. WE ANTICIPATE THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIORAL OUTCOMES WILL OCCUR IN THE MAJORITY OF THE ATTENDEES AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPATION IN THE WEBINARS: - INCREASED AWARENESS OF TOOL AND METHODOLOGICAL OPTIONS TO QUANTIFY NPS FARM CONSERVATION PROJECT OUTCOMES. - INCREASED PERCEPTIONS OF CAPACITY TO SELECT AND U

MITIGATE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF NUTRIENTS ANDSEDIMENT LEAVING FARM FIELDS AND CONTRIBUTING TO WATER POLLUTION IN THECONNECTICUT RIVER WATERSHED AND THE LONG ISLAND SOUND THROUGHIMPROVEMENTS TO SOIL HEALTH

BUILD ON RELATIONSHIPS AND NETWORKS WITH WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE ACROSS THE STATE TO REACH MORE WOMEN WITH DIVERSE RACIAL AND ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS.

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST CENTER FOR AGRICULTURE IN THE ENVIRONMENT AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

BRING INNOVATIVE WOMEN FOR THE LAND LEARNING CIRCLE PROGRAMMING TO WOMEN RANCHERS AND RANCHLAND OWNERS IN NORTHEAST OREGON TO ADVANCE THE CIG PRIORITY OF SOIL QUALITY.

FARMS FOR THE FUTURE IN GEORGIA: OUTREACH TO PROMOTE CONSERVTION & FACILITATE TRANSITION OF FARMS TO A NEW GENERATION

DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE A CONSERVATION DECISION FRAMEWORK THAT WILL HELP INCREASE THE ADOPTION OF WATER INFILTRATION PRACTICES.

MANAGE A NETWORK OF DEMONSTRATION FARMS WITHIN THE GENESEE RIVER VALLEY THAT SUPPORTS SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER PROTECTION EFFORTS IN THE GREAT LAKES BASIN.

RME AWARD

CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVE PROGRAM

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVE PROGRAM

THIS PROJECT WAS SELECTED FOR FUNDING BY THE NATIONAL FISH HABITAT BOARD, A STATE-LED ENTITY CREATED BY CONGRESS AND PRESIDENT TRUMP IN 2020. THE SERVICE ADMINISTERS THE APPROPRIATED PROJECT FUNDS VIA A DIRECTED ANNOUNCEMENT, AND WORKS WITH AWARD RECIPIENTS TO DELIVER FISH HABITAT CONSERVATION PROJECTS THAT INCREASE PUBLIC ACCESS AND IMPROVE RECREATIONAL FISHING. AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST (AFT) PROPOSES TO WORK WITH FARMERS AND PARTNERS IN SEVERAL DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS AND OUTREACH EVENTS. THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS WILL OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FARMERS TO SEE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPS) SUCH AS PRAIRIE STRIPS AND CONTROLLED DRAINAGE MANAGEMENT, AS WELL AS TO TEST THEIR IMPACT ON FISH HABITAT. THE OUTREACH EVENTS WILL INCREASE AWARENESS OF WATERSHED AND FISH HABITAT EFFORTS AND PROVIDE FARMERS WITH ACCESS TO RESOURCES. THE OVERALL PROJECT OBJECTIVE AND EXPECTED OUTCOME IS TO REDUCE SEDIMENT, NITROGEN, AND PHOSPHORUS LOADING, AND IN TURN IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND FISH HABITAT.

ENHANCING NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND DAIRY AND VEGETABLE FARMS. AFT WILL USE SOIL HEALTH LEARNING CIRCLES TO PROVIDE WOMEN FARMERS AND LANDOWNERS WITH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - GE

CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANT - CHANGING THE FORM OF PHOSPHOOUS FERTILIZER: A WAY TO REDUCE NITROGEN FROM THE ENVIRONMENT

FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM

FARM AND RANCH LANDS PROTECTION PROGRAM

CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - GE

THROUGH PRODUCER INCENTIVES, A LONG TERM REVOLVING FUND, AND CATALYZING A RYE MARKET THROUGH SCALED ADOPTION, THIS PROJECT WILL MAKE VIABLE THE LONG-TERM ADOPTION OF WINTER CEREAL RYE.

CONSERVATION PRACTICES ON FARMS THROUGH CLIMATE IMPACT IMPLEMENTATION

CT FARMERS RECV INNOVATIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING ENGAGEMENT PAYMENTS, PRACTICE ADOPTION PAYMENTS, AND A NET RETURNS GUARANTEE, IS BEING PROVIDED TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF SOIL HLTH PRCTCS

PROJECT IS TO ENHANCE WATER RESOURCE AND PRODUCER FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN CALIFORNIA’S SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY THROUGH IRRIGATION ECO NOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS TOOLS.

WOMEN FOR THE LAND INITIATIVE- TACTICALLY TARGETING A KEY AUIENCE THAT WILL SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT THE FUTURE OF AMERICANAGRICULTURE: WOMEN