FARMERS HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE INCOME WHILE ENHANCING THE ENVIRONMENT Eligible farmers in the United States have an opportunity to participate in a new project to increase their incomes and enhance the environment through expanded agroforestry plantings in 29 states (see map below).
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and multiple partners are launching a 5-year project to catalyze significant private investments into the agroforestry industry while increasing farmers’ incomes and delivering environmental benefits such as enhanced carbon sequestration, soil health, biodiversity and water quality.
The Expanding Agroforestry Production & Markets for Producer Profitability and Climate Stabilization project is funded through the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative. In 2022, the USDA announced more than $3.1 billion in funding for 141 projects, including $60 million for this agroforestry project.
Expanding Agroforestry Practices Agroforestry currently represents less than 1% of U.S. agriculture. This project aims to create 30,000 acres of new agroforestry plantings over the next five years, thereby creating a nationwide model to eventually spur the adoption of agroforestry practices on tens of millions of acres of U.S. farmlands. Such practices include alley cropping, windbreaks and silvopasture. The project partners intend to accomplish this goal by:
Offering regionalized technical assistance and outreach to farmers;
Addressing the needs of underserved farmers;
Providing $36 million in direct incentive payments to farmers for tree planting;
Creating a national network of demonstration farms for education and outreach activities
Working with companies and retailers to expand markets for climate-smart agroforestry commodities, like nuts, fruits, timber, and livestock products produced in silvopasture settings
Source: www.nature.org
Categories: New York, General, Government & Policy