USDA is investing up to $70 million in cooperative agreements to support outreach to  underserved producers and communities about opportunities with NRCS for natural resource conservation, climate-smart agriculture and forestry. The Fiscal Year 2023 Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements will expand outreach for the delivery of conservation assistance to underserved producers and communities and provide opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. Agreements are available for up to three-year projects that extend outreach to farmers who are beginning, limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and veterans.  

The purpose of 2023 Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements is to leverage NRCS and partner resources to develop locally led conservation projects that help overcome barriers and offer opportunities for underserved producers and communities to learn about and access NRCS programs, services, and careers. 

Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity, eligible applicants may propose projects that engage underserved farmers and ranchers and their communities, and offer opportunities for these producers and communities through outreach activities.

More information about this current funding opportunity is available here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/partner-with-us/outreach-and-partnerships/equity-in-conservation-cooperative-agreements-2023

Informational Webinar

The NRCS Outreach and Partnerships Division has hosted four live webinars to talk about this funding opportunity. The same content is provided in each session. Registration is not required; simply click the link below. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the close of each session. Join us for the last upcoming live webinar listed below: 

• Thursday, March 16, 2023, 4:00 – 6:00 pm Eastern