The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) proudly announces the recipients of the first round of grants for the Historically Underserved Farmer-to-Farmer Outreach Program. NACD has selected two Soil and Water Conservation Districts to receive funding to implement innovative techniques that will reduce non-point source pollution in the Gulf of Mexico and to work directly with Native American and historically underserved producers to increase the sustainability and resiliency of their operations. Recognizing the urgency of addressing nutrient runoff from agricultural activities in the Mississippi River Basin, NACD, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Gulf of Mexico Division (GMD), launched the program. Through a competitive selection process, NACD identified two outstanding grantees whose proposals demonstrated innovative strategies to address the unique needs of underserved farming populations.
The inaugural round of grantees includes:
· The Guadalupe Soil and Water Conservation District in New Mexico will design and install an implementation project to address the degradation of the Pintada Arroyo Watershed due to erosion and sedimentation. This project will provide an educational opportunity for underserved producers in the watershed to witness the effectiveness of erosion control projects and learn how to implement similar practices on their properties.
· The Marengo County Soil and Water Conservation District in Alabama will begin the implementation of climate-smart water, soil, and plant health monitoring activities to decrease agriculture input costs and increase yields on historically underserved producer farms in Marengo County, Alabama and Jackson County, Florida. This will be accomplished using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and mapping software to monitor water, crop, forest, and soil health.
“These projects are terrific examples of locally led conservation and underscore our commitment to advancing conservation for all,” remarked NACD Chief Program Officer Jennifer Nelligan. “Their projects showcase inventive and impactful approaches to address non-point source pollution and the challenges faced by these communities.”
NACD is now soliciting proposals for the next round of funding to expand the program’s impact. To foster new collaborations and innovations, NACD seeks initiatives that address the pressing environmental challenges faced by historically underserved farming communities. Organizations with innovative proposals focused on reaching these communities within the Non-Mississippi River Drainage Region are strongly encouraged to apply and contribute to this transformative initiative.
For more information about the Historically Underserved Farmer-to-Farmer Outreach Program and forthcoming details regarding the second round of funding, visit the program homepage.
