The Advancing Markets for Producers Initiative (AMP) is bringing a new approach to conservation and agricultural growth in Oklahoma, focusing on helping producers access new markets and add value to the conservation practices they are already implementing on their operations. According to Jean Lam-Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD), the newly launched program is designed to connect conservation stewardship with long-term economic opportunities for farmers and ranchers across the state.
Speaking about the program with associate farm reporter Carli Davenport, Lam-Thompson explained that AMP differs from many traditional conservation programs producers may already know. “What’s different about this program is that it’s not necessarily focused on program implementation, cost-share practice implementation, or practices,” Lam-Thompson said. “Really, what this program is focused on is market accessibility and adding value to what those land stewards are already doing in their regenerative practices or conservation on their land.”
The program is being administered through OACD with funding from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Lam-Thompson said the goal is to help producers capitalize on conservation efforts that are already benefiting their operations.
Designed for Producers Ready to Grow
Lam-Thompson emphasized that the program is available statewide and is intended to serve a wide variety of agricultural operations. “This program is open to all producers in all 84 state-appropriated conservation districts,” she said. “So, we go all across the state, and it’s engaging all producers engaged in all types of agriculture.”
The program’s primary audience includes producers looking to expand their opportunities through conservation-based production systems. “What we’re really looking for is producers who are ready to take their operation to the next level by pursuing new markets for regeneratively raised products through conservation stewardship,” Lam-Thompson said.
She noted that producers do not have to be longtime conservation practitioners to participate. “Whether you’ve been on your regenerative path for a while or you’ve been hesitant to implement new practices, there’s a spot for you in this program.”
Significant Financial Investment in Oklahoma Agriculture
One of the most notable aspects of AMP is the funding available to participating producers. The initiative includes a total investment of $3.45 million that will be directed into Oklahoma farms and ranches. “This project is significant, and it has the real potential to impact conservation at scale,” Thompson said. “It’s $3.45 million overall. It’ll be invested directly into Oklahoma farms and ranches through financial assistance that supports producers pursuing conservation.”
Individual financial assistance awards can range from $10,000 to $35,000, but Lam-Thompson stressed that the program’s value extends beyond the dollars available. “What’s different about the $3.45 million is not only the size of the investment, but it’s the fact that it’s a direct financial investment and not tied back to the technical support that we’re able to provide through our partners at the Oklahoma Conservation Commission,” she explained.
Lam-Thompson also highlighted the role Oklahoma producers have played in advancing conservation practices long before they became national talking points. “I want to remind everyone that it’s not the size of the investment in your operation that creates change, it’s about who’s entrusted with delivering the results,” Thompson said. “I think that’s why Oklahoma is the best place in the nation to deliver this program.”
She added, “We’re working with Oklahoma farmers and ranchers. These folks are innovators. Many of the conservation practices that are being discussed nationally are practices that Oklahoma farmers and ranchers have been implementing for generations.”
Focusing on Economic Resiliency
Unlike programs that simply encourage the adoption of individual conservation practices, AMP is intended to help producers think about how conservation fits into the broader business strategy of their operation. “This program is what you make of it, so it’s really going to be about participatory-based engagement with the program,” Lam-Thompson said.
While practices such as rotational grazing, soil health improvements, water conservation, prescribed grazing, and brush management can be part of a producer’s pathway, Lam-Thompson said the larger goal is creating stronger operations. “We really need to start thinking more systemically about how those programs create more economic resiliency in the operation, as opposed to the length of the program enrollment,” she said.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are currently open, and Thompson encouraged producers from a wide range of agricultural sectors to consider participating. “It’s open to all producers in all 84 state-appropriated conservation districts,” she said. “Any producer engaged in any agricultural enterprise.”
Priority areas include grazing systems for beef production, particularly cow-calf operations, row-crop production, specialty crops for local food systems, and pecan production. “An exciting addition, new to our traditional programming scope, is a focus on pecan production,” Lam-Thompson said.
July 31 Deadline Approaching
Producers interested in learning more or applying can do so through the Oklahoma conservation website. Lam-Thompson also encouraged applicants to work closely with their local conservation districts throughout the process.
“My additional call to action to any producers interested in applying, or who have successfully applied, is to engage with your local conservation district,” she said. “Pick up the phone or shoot them an email and let them know that you’ve applied, or if you need assistance with your application, please reach out to your local office.”
Lam-Thompson underscored the long-standing role conservation districts play in Oklahoma communities. “Conservation districts are the foundation upon which conservation is built,” she said. “They’ve been the trusted boots on the ground in your community for generations.”
Applications for the Advancing Markets for Producers Initiative are open now, with the application deadline set for July 31. Thompson encouraged interested producers to learn more about the program and take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen both conservation efforts and market opportunities within their operations.
