Unit 3: Partnerships and Resources for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Extension Risk Management Education. The USDA Risk Management Education (RME) offers funds for educational programs related to producer profitability and risk management, which are available through state or regional offices. For more information, visit: Extension Risk Management Education: Funding Opportunities
USDA NRCS. The Natural Resources Conservation Service offers cost-sharing and financial incentive opportunities for producers through its various programs. For example, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers financial and technical help to install or implement structural and management practices, cost-sharing up to 75 percent of the costs of certain conservation practices. The Conservation Stewardship Programs (CSP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes on cropland, grassland, prairie land, improved pasture, and range land, as well as forested land that is part of an agriculture operation. The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is another voluntary program designed to encourage the development and adoption of innovative conservation strategies and technologies. To learn more about these and other NRCS programs, contact your local NRCS State Office or Service Center.