EPA Grants To Advance Farmer-Led Conservation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Gulf of America Division has announced up to $50 million in grant funding aimed at advancing farmer-led conservation efforts across working lands in the Gulf of America watershed, Gulf Coast Media reports. The Farmer-to-Farmer grant program will support projects focused on improving water quality, habitat restoration, environmental education and long-term resilience through innovative agricultural practices. The EPA expects to award 20-30 grants ranging from $1.5 million to $2.5 million each over a five-year period. The program targets farmer-led and farm-focused organizations operating within the watershed, which spans EPA Regions 3 through 8. Alabama is part of EPA Region 4. The agency aims to help producers test, validate and expand regenerative agricultural practices while increasing farmer engagement and data collection. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, conservation districts, federally recognized tribes, state and local governments and universities. While for-profit farms and businesses generally are not eligible to apply directly, they may participate as paid partners or subrecipients. Individual farmers may also participate through partnerships with eligible organizations such as conservation districts, cooperatives or nonprofits. Applications are due June 19.