By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota Farmers Union is at the forefront of a groundbreaking national pilot program, designed to encourage and financially reward farmers and ranchers for implementing high-value conservation practices.
This initiative, the Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through practices like no-till farming, prescribed grazing, and cover crops.
This three-year project, backed by a substantial USDA grant, allocates $57 million in 2024 and 2025. It targets approximately 4,000 producers across Arkansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Virginia.
In North Dakota alone, seven soil conservation districts are part of this ambitious program, with a goal to enroll 450 producers from selected counties.
The program offers up to $16,000 annually to participants based on 160 acres or animal units, with payments distributed in three phases. It encourages diversification, allowing producers who participate in 2024 to re-enroll in 2025 with different practices, and recognize sixteen different soil conservation practices.
The program extends its reach to include early adopters of these conservation methods and prioritizes 40% of its nationwide enrollment for under-served and socially disadvantaged farms.
Virginia Tech leads a national program, with North Dakota organizations providing support. The North Dakota Conservation District Employees Association and local soil conservation districts offer technical assistance, while the North Dakota Grain Growers Association collaborates with the North Dakota Farmers Union.
This initiative is part of the broader USDA effort under the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, a $3.1 billion investment supporting 141 projects. The goal is to advance production agriculture through climate-smart practices and expand market opportunities for American producers.
For more information or to enroll, interested parties are directed to the Alliance's website or their local soil conservation district. Eligibility is confined to farms and ranches in eight specific counties, with a 30-day enrollment period commencing in mid-February.
Photo Credit - usda
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy