Agency: Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Description:
Funds whole-farm conservation efforts on working lands implemented by individual farmers and ranchers. This funding will support practices that directly improve soil carbon, reduce nitrogen losses, or reduce, capture, avoid, or sequester carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide emissions associated with agricultural production.
Bill Section:
21001(a)(2)
US Code:
16 USC 3839aa-21
New or Existing:
Existing
Potential Cost:
$3,250,000,000
Timeline:
FY23-31
Implementation Status/Rulemaking:
On November 21, 2022, USDA released a Request for Information (RFI, NRCS-2022-0015) on how Natural Resources Conservation Service will implement funds received under the Inflation Reduction. Comments were accepted through December 21, 2022: Source
On November 22, 2023, USDA Office of Inspector General published a report on the Conservation Stewardship Program and highlights related to Inflation Reduction Act funding: Source
Applications for CSP are accepted throughout the year. Specific state deadlines are set for ranking and funding.
TCS Notes:
This is a long-established program, created in the 2002 Farm Bill as the Conservation Security Program, that is routinely reauthorized as part of the Farm Bill process. These funds are intended for projects funding 1+ practices that “improve soil carbon, reduce nitrogen losses or reduce, capture, avoid, or sequester carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide emissions.”
IRA funds are allocated on a fiscal year basis from 2023 to 2026 and remain available through FY2031
(A) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(B) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
(C) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
(D) $1,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
Other TCS Resources:
Agricultural Conservation Spending Bump in Reconciliation Bill