Enrollment Ending Soon: USDA-Funded Climate-Smart Commodities Grant Project Expand

Project partners A Greener World, Rural Advancement Foundation International and Soil Health Institute accepting farmer applications for grant project supporting regenerative farming through September 9

TERREBONNE, OR (July 16, 2024) — Farmer enrollment in the USDA-funded Climate-Smart Commodities grant project led by partners A Greener World (AGW), Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) and Soil Health Institute (SHI) is open through September 9, 2024. This project has been awarded a grant with an approximate funding ceiling of $4,000,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, and will include 100 producers across the United States, USVII, and Puerto Rico.

The grant is part of an historic $3.1 billion federal investment in 141 projects across the United States designed to provide technical and financial assistance to producers to implement climate-smart production practices on a voluntary basis on working lands; pilot innovative and cost-effective methods for quantification, monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas benefits; and develop markets and promote the resulting climate-smart commodities.

The focus of this project, ‘Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers,’ is to assist small and underserved producers with climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design, and to incentivize participation in and the adoption of climate-smart practices. RAFI and SHI will work alongside AGW to assist farmers, ranchers, and landowners, with RAFI providing technical support in regenerative plan development and climate-smart practice implementation, and SHI providing practical and scientific expertise in soil health analysis and measurement. National Young Farmers Coalition and National Co+op Grocers (NCG) will also support the project through farmer and supply chain outreach, with NCG raising awareness among and providing access to a network of 164 community-owned retail food coops.

The project welcomes farmers who have full management and control of their farms, ensuring a holistic approach to the entire farm operation. It is best suited for farmers seeking to achieve clear traceability of their projects and products, fostering transparency and accountability. The project intends to provide a pathway for small and underserved farmers to transition towards, regenerative practices, improve their farm operations, gain access to regenerative and climate-smart markets, and become a part of a growing network of farmers committed to environmental conservation. Whether farmers are involved in livestock production, cropping, or both, this program provides a framework that is adaptable to various systems, scales and regions. As part of their participation farmers will receive:

• A $1250 stipend to cover time spent on climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design.

• Auditing and certification with Certified Regenerative by AGW (up to a $2050 value), third-party verification to help access new climate-smart markets and premiums.

• Access to incentive payments averaging $10,000, dependent on emissions reductions and specific implementation of climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices.

• Technical assistance through RAFI and customized marketing and labeling support through AGW.

Interested farmers and ranchers throughout the U.S. are encouraged to submit an interest form to be considered for participation by September 9, 2024. To learn more about the project and to sign-up, please visit agreenerworld.org/climate-smart or fill out the online interest form.

ABOUT A GREENER WORLD

A Greener World (AGW) identifies, audits, certifies and promotes practical, sustainable farming systems by supporting farmers and ranchers and informing consumers. AGW’s growing family of trusted certifications includes Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW, Certified Regenerative by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW. Each program is designed to have positive and measurable impacts on the environment, society and animals, and to encourage truly sustainable farming practices. AGW’s standards and procedures are robust, transparent and achievable.

A nonprofit funded by donations, AGW offers a range of resources to help people make informed food choices, including an Online Directory of certified farms and products and Food Labels Exposed—a definitive guide to food label claims (available in print and online). For more information visit agreenerworld.org.

ABOUT RURAL ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL (RAFI)

RAFI challenges the root causes of unjust food systems, supporting and advocating for economically, racially, and ecologically just farm communities. RAFI envisions a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system: where farmers and farmworkers have dignity and agency; where they are supported by just agricultural policies; and where corporations and institutions are accountable to their community. RAFI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Pittsboro, North Carolina and incorporated in 1990. Visit RAFI at rafiusa.org.

ABOUT SOIL HEALTH INSTITUTE

The Soil Health Institute is a global non-profit with a mission of safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of soils through scientific research and advancement. Our vision is a world where farmers and ranchers grow quality food, fiber, and fuel using soil health systems that sustain farms and rural communities, promote a stable climate and clean environment, and improve human health and well-being. Accordingly, the Institute brings together leaders in soil health science and the industry to conduct research and empower farmers and other landowners with the knowledge to successfully adopt regenerative soil health systems that contribute economic and environmental benefits to agriculture and society. The Institute’s scientific team holds doctorates in various soil science and related disciplines, with specialties in carbon cycling, nutrient cycling, water cycling, nutrient management, soil microbiome, farmer/adviser education, ecosystem services, soil-plant relationships, on-farm economics, and others. The team follows a comprehensive strategy for advancing adoption of regenerative soil health systems.

Healthy soils are the foundation for restoring our land. Together, we can create a secure future for all, mitigate the effects of climate change, and help farmers and organizations meet production and environmental goals at scale. Visit www.soilhealthinstitute.org to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.