National Healthy Soils Policy Network
Catalyzing Opportunity Through Partnerships
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) makes historic investments in climate-oriented agriculture conservation. The National Healthy Soils Policy Network is working to help reach the IRA’s climate targets of a 40% reduction in agricultural climate emissions by 2030 by focusing on two working lands programs administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)—the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
A Model for Change
The National Healthy Soils Policy Network is building the capacity of and networking state-level farmer-serving organizations to share resources and expertise leading to improved models for delivery of conservation resources to agricultural producers. This effort will increase access for smaller scale, diversified, underserved, organic and regenerative farmers and ranchers to USDA’s agricultural conservation programs. Grounded in partnerships with existing organizations that have trusted relationships with producers and networking these professionals will provide the support needed for all producers to be able to access and adopt practices that make their operations more resilient to climate impacts.
We will launch the first pilot in the Midwest later in 2024.
Why are we using a network model, and who benefits?
Historically, EQIP and CSP programs have been oversubscribed and best utilized by larger commodity operations that have the resources to apply for the funding. There has also been a decade of disinvestment in staffing and technical assistance resources. Thankfully, the IRA will allow exponentially more producers to participate. However, NRCS lacks the capacity to deliver the funding to new producers, and new technical assistance providers are needed to reach producers who have not historically benefitted.
Lead partners in each state will partner with NRCS, community organizations and agricultural leaders to design and implement local service models that address their needs, and both utilize and augment resources already in place. More financial resources will reach those most in need and support local communities. Through this network, we will identify barriers and challenges farmers face in accessing and effectively utilizing CSP and EQIP programs and share them with NRCS and national partners to improve program implementation and access in the long-term.
Outcomes
By sharing federal and philanthropic funding, knowledge, training and materials, these networks will:
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Build capacity in existing organizations who have trusted relationships with limited-resource farmers and ranchers and increase their ability to deliver climate-oriented conservation
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Reduce barriers to participation in EQIP and CSP
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Increase the number and diversity of farmers building resilience, mitigating and adapting to climate change
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Share expertise and advocate improvements in NRCS program delivery
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Defend the increased funding for climate-related agricultural conservation
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Leverage public and philanthropic financial support
Who is involved?
We partner with non-governmental organizations, USDA NRCS, private philanthropy, state and local natural resource agencies and others who share the goal of building climate resilience on working lands.
Learn More
The California Climate and Agriculture Network (CalCAN) is a statewide coalition that advances state and federal policy to catalyze the powerful climate solutions offered by sustainable and organic agriculture. This regional hub program builds on the work of one of CalCAN’s projects, the National Healthy Soils Policy Network, a group of farmer-centered organizations in 28 states seeking resources for farmers to implement climate-resilient soil health practices.
For more information and to get involved, contact Amalie Lipstreu, Agriculture Conservation Regional Hub Director, below.