USDA seeks collaborations to enhance conservation efforts on grazing lands.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment of up to million in partnerships aimed at increasing access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and promoting the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently accepting proposals for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) until Sunday, May 26, 2024.

NRCS Chief Terry Cosby highlighted the significant opportunity presented by privately owned grazing lands, which cover nearly 30 percent of the national landscape. He emphasized the importance of voluntary private lands conservation in addressing climate change and conserving natural resources. Through the GLCI, NRCS plans to utilize a variety of conservation practices to assist livestock producers and expand the footprint of conservation on grazing lands, with a focus on reaching underserved producers.

Project proposals for GLCI Cooperative Agreements will aim to identify and address barriers to accessing grazing assistance for producers. These partnerships are encouraged to prioritize local natural resource concerns, climate-smart agriculture practices, equity in serving underserved communities, quantifying conservation benefits, and leveraging Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge where applicable.

Eligible entities for participation in the GLCI include nonprofit organizations, farmer or rancher organizations, state and local conservation agencies, tribal governments, agricultural extension services, and various educational institutions.

This initiative seeks to increase technical assistance for farmers and ranchers engaged in grazing activities, thereby enhancing knowledge and expertise in working with underserved producers. By fostering peer-to-peer networks and providing financial support for mentors, GLCI aims to expand and establish new grazing coalitions.

For more information and to apply for the GLCI Cooperative Agreements, interested parties can visit the funding opportunity on grants.gov. Applications are being accepted until Sunday, May 26, 2024.

The GLCI was developed to address priority issues on private grazing land and enhance existing conservation programs. It supports efforts to boost participation from underserved producers, hosts national conferences, and provides additional resources for grazers. USDA’s revitalization of the GLCI aims to leverage partner capacity and technical assistance to promote well-managed grazing systems nationwide, support new and underserved producers, and address climate change.

To learn more about NRCS’s grazing lands efforts, visit the NRCS website. The USDA’s initiatives are part of the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to transforming America’s food system, promoting resilience in local and regional food production, creating fairer markets for all producers, and ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food for all communities.

In conclusion, the USDA is dedicated to fostering equity, removing systemic barriers, and building a more representative workforce. For more information, visit usda.gov.
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