"Below are opportunities for the CCAs from our Policy Office."
Source: CCA Newsletter
Far West is committed to providing updated policy information, providing opportunities, and keeping CCAs informed for our member companies.
Photo credit: R. Schutte, CCA-WI
Original Post ~ September 15th, 2022
USDA triples investment in Climate-Smart Commodities program, announces first round of recipients
"Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity, with projects from the second funding pool to be announced later this year. USDA’s anticipated investment will triple to more than $3 billion in pilots, creating market opportunities for American commodities produced using climate-smart production practices. See the full list of recipients here. Local boards may want to reach out to their state or region recipients to see how CCAs can get involved."
USDA National Agronomist shares priorities with ICCA Board of Directors
Dr. Betsy Dierberger, National Agronomist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spoke with the ICCA Board of Directors at their annual meeting this week. Dr. Dierberger shared that USDA is focused on equity, climate-smart agriculture, urban agriculture, workforce development, and partnerships to support boots-on-the-ground conservation. She announced several new initiatives, including the Nutrient Loss Action Plan and new program flexibilities for contracting cover crops and conservation crop rotations. Dr. Dierberger also outlined the new structure for conservation activities, split into Conservation Planning Activities (CPA), Design and Implementation Activities (DIA), and Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activities (CEMA). Technical Service Providers (TSP) and CCAs can primarily work on DIA plans.
A potential rail strike that could impact fertilizer distribution comes to an end
Rail unions and carriers have reached a tentative compromise ahead of the strike planned to start on Friday. Earlier this week, rail carriers stopped accepting new shipments of ammonia, a critical fertilizer component, as fears grew of a full-scale freight rail strike.
If you have questions or need to know how to contact the NWCCA board, feel free to reach out to the Far West team by calling 1-888-691-1942 or emailing admin@fwaa.org. We Invite readers to leave a comment or share with your companies.