The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) is proud to announce the launch of the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) Initiative, a new statewide effort designed to help agricultural producers strengthen their operations through conservation planning, market development, and long term system improvements. Applications officially opened June 1, 2026, and will remain available through July 31, 2026.
Funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, AMP represents a new approach to conservation by focusing on whole farm systems rather than individual practice implementation. The initiative is designed to help producers improve profitability, reduce risk, and identify new market opportunities while addressing natural resource concerns through soil health, grazing management, and agroforestry based production systems.
Unlike traditional cost share programs, AMP does not focus solely on the installation of conservation practices. Instead, participating producers will work alongside conservation professionals and technical advisors to develop a customized multi-year system pathway plan that aligns operational goals, resource concerns, management strategies, and market opportunities for regeneratively raised products.
“Conservation and profitability should not be competing goals,” said Jean Lam-Thompson, Executive Director of OACD. “For too long, conservation has been measured by the implementation of a single practice or installation of infrastructure. AMP challenges us to think bigger. By combining conservation planning, technical and financial assistance, alongside market development, we have an opportunity to create lasting systems change that strengthens both the land and the operation. We are investing not just in practices, but in people and the future of Oklahoma agriculture. Our goal is simple: help producers spend less time figuring it all out and more time doing what they do best: farming and ranching. Oklahoma has long led the nation in conservation innovation, and I believe we can lead the way again.”
AMP is open to agricultural producers across Oklahoma, with enrollment priority given to row crop producers, livestock grazing operations with a focus on beef production, specialty crop producers, orchardists, and urban agricultural operations. Selected participants will work with Oklahoma Conservation Commission Soil Health Team members and local conservation districts to develop individualized plans that support operational goals while improving long term resilience and profitability.
Participants may be eligible to receive financial assistance ranging from approximately $10,000 to $35,000 over the life of the program, with payments tied to participation, progress, system development, and market engagement activities.
“AMP is about more than implementing a practice,” Lam-Thompson said. “It’s about helping producers build a system that works for their operation, their family, and their future.”
OACD anticipates enrolling up to 125 producers statewide. Selected applicants will be notified by September 2026.
For additional information or to apply, visit https://www.okconservation.org/amp
