Tom Vilsack, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) secretary, recently announced $7 million in funding for landowners to engage in conservation efforts with the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI).
Run by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, CCPI will help fund 31 plans in 11 states via three initiatives that make use of local and state services.
"CCPI's unique partnership allows USDA to use the resources and capabilities of non-federal partners as well as its own technical and financial resources to implement conservation on working farms, ranches, and forest lands," Vilsack stated.
Farmers, ranchers and private landowners who work or reside in regions approved for the program can apply for financial assistance and technical advice at their local NRCS branch. The funding they may receive can be used for conservation efforts, to meet production regulations or to pioneer and use new conservation techniques.
John Deere, a maker of agricultural and forestry equipment, supplies products to farmers or landowners through John Deere dealers. Deere outlets also offer used construction equipment for building projects.
Natural resource initiatives unveiled in 11 states by USDA head Vilsack
USDA to fund conservation on farms, ranches, private forest land.