Historically Underserved Farmer-to-Farmer Outreach Grant Program

Historically Underserved Farmer-to-Farmer Outreach Grant Program

Program Sponsor: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Gulf of Mexico Division (GMD)

Geographic Scope: Non-Mississippi River Drainage Region consisting of TX, MS, AL, and portions of FL, GA, NM, and CO. Specific eligible counties are listed on the program page.

Funding Amount: Up to $2.7 million in total grants available

Purpose: Awards grants for outreach to Native American and historically underserved producers, as well as on-the-ground projects that mitigate hypoxic conditions in the Gulf of Mexico watershed. In the Gulf of Mexico watershed, farmers manage millions of acres of privately held working lands. Implementation of soil and water conservation practices can help reduce runoff and nonpoint source pollution.

Eligible Applicants

• Conservation districts
• State associations of conservation districts
• State agencies
• Resource Conservation & Development Councils
• Indian Tribal Governments
• Intertribal consortia

Note: The strength and diversity of collaborations will be evaluated and local partnerships are strongly encouraged. Interested parties are encouraged to develop projects with their local conservation district or another eligible entity.

Program Objectives

1. Work directly with Native American and/or historically underserved producers on novel or innovative techniques, methods, or approaches that reduce non-point source pollution and increase the sustainability and resiliency of their operations 2. Leverage partnerships to increase knowledge sharing and collaboration within and among historically underserved communities 3. Collect and analyze data to demonstrate the results of funded projects 4. Disseminate results to the community to inform future conservation or management practices and expand adoption of the most cost-effective and sustainable approaches

Required Project Activities

Projects must include at least one of the following types of activities:

Water Quality Initiatives:

Nutrient reduction with creative runoff treatment solutions

Innovative year-round ground cover to limit erosion

Planting field buffers

Conservation tillage

Managing livestock access to streams

Addressing key manure nutrient management issues (e.g., phosphorus saturation in soil, ammonia emissions, alternative uses for manure nutrients)

Increasing implementation of nitrogen-use efficiency tools to better manage inorganic nitrogen inputs on cropland

Habitat Restoration Initiatives:

Riparian zone improvement

Observing environmental windows

Restoration or protection of wildlife corridors

Partner easements

Landowner habitat planting/restoration

Conservation and restoration of perennially flooded grasslands and forests

Other innovative habitat ideas

Sustainable Forest Management Initiatives:

Utilizing sustainable forestry practices that protect and maintain water quality and habitat

Improving utilization of sustainable forestry practices through training, education, and public outreach

Monitoring effectiveness of sustainable practices

Contact Information

Email: conservationprograms[at]nacdnet.org

Note: Status indicated "Please stay tuned for an announcement on selected grant recipients."

Related Resources

• EPA Gulf of Mexico Division Homepage
• NASDA Program Homepage
• Iowa DNR Homepage
• Winrock Program Homepage
• List of Eligible Counties
• Budget Template
• Technical Narrative Template
• GrantVantage Webinar Info and Recording