November 2023

NRCS Updates

NRCS Invests $1B in 81 RCPP Conservation Projects

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making historic investments in the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to advance partner-drive solutions on agricultural lands. This investment includes $74.3M in Washington alone through five unique RCPP projects funded under the fiscal year 2023 notice of funding opportunity. Read more about the historic investment here and about the five unique RCPP projects in Washinton here.

NRCS-WA ACEP-ALE Batching Deadline Approaching – December 15

The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington accepts ACEP-ALE applications on a rolling basis. However, the batching deadline for ACEP-ALE applications seeking federal funding in fiscal year 2024 is December 15, 2023. Entities interested in applying are encouraged to watch the FY24 ACEP-ALE Kickoff Workshop. The workshop recording and additional application information are accessible on the NRCS Washington ACEPP-ALE webpage.

Events

Washington Agriculture Viability Conference Survey - WSDA - The WSDA is looking to host a conference in March 2024 to provide farmers and ranchers with perspective on the state of agriculture in Washington and receive feedback from producers. This very brief survey will help inform the development of the conference. 

Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production - USDA - The USDA will be holding a virtual meeting of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee on November 29th. 

2024 Grower’s Conference – Thurston Conservation District - Thurston Conservation District will be hosting a conference for farmers, ranchers, and gardeners to share insight and strategies for growing and raising food amidst a changing climate. The event is planned for January 26-27 of 2024. 

Resources

Nationwide Survey of Land Trusts that Protect Farmland and Ranchland - American Farmland Trust - AFT has published an updated iteration of this valuable and concise look at the work being done across the nation to preserve working lands. 

ACEP-ALE Toolkit - American Farmland Trust - AFT and NRCS have teamed up to provide a suite of resources to help interested parties navigate the ACEP-ALE process.

How You Can Use the Farms Under Threat Mapping and Data for Your County - American Farmland Trust - Looking to understand how AFT's development of the Farms Under Threat Mapping and Data can be used? Click on the link to find out.

Agriculture in the news

Proposal for WA’s largest wind-solar project shows challenges ahead - The Seattle Times 

USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program Pays More Than $1.77 Billion to America’s Producers in Support of Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture - USDA

Next three Odessa irrigation systems receive full funding - Capital Press

U.S. Agricultural Land Sees Inflation-Crushing Gains as Investors Snap up American Farmland - Morning Ag Clips 

Whatcom County’s Conservation Easement Program Protects Lands, Compensates Owners - WhatcomTalk

A Southwest Washington viticultural area would boost wines’ value in region - The Columbian

Ranchers' land conservation crucial to sage grouse recovery - Capital Press

Job Announcements

Washington Association of Land Trusts Job Board - There are a number of opportunities for folks looking to do some meaningful work for tremendous land trusts across the state. 

American Farmland Trust - Pacific Northwest Outreach and Technical Assistance Coordinator

State Conservation Commission Job Board - Opportunities at Conservation Districts across the state for an Environmental Educator, Natural Resource Technician, Education & Outreach Coordinator, Executive Director, Office Assistant, Education Specialist, and Habitat Restoration Specialist. 

Subscribe to the Farmland Preservation Monthly Newsletter, brought to you by the Office of Farmland Preservation. 

The Washington State Conservation Commission administers the Office of Farmland Preservation to address the rapid loss of working farm and forest lands in our state. Learn more: www.scc.wa.gov/ofp.