Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project Summaries
USDA is investing $3.1 billion in 141 selected projects under Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. Learn more about the national effort: Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Overview Brochure (PDF, 2.3 MB). Details on tentatively-selected projects are provided below. Finalized projects are viewable on our project dashboard.
- Dashboard of Finalized Projects
Tentatively-Selected Projects by Funding Pool
- First Funding Pool Project Summaries
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Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership (Finalized)
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board), National Center for Appropriate Technology, National Association of Conservation Districts, Soil Health Institute, University of Missouri, The Sustainability Consortium, Data Transmission Network, MBSH Consulting.
Available States: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Agreement Amount: $95,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions
This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 states to adopt and implement climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, like cover crops, reduced tillage and nutrient management, and develop markets. Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Project plans to provide cost-share on a per acre basis to reduce costs for early adopting end users. ADM plans to transition climate-smart products to be sold a premium per bushel, allowing climate-smart practices to be funded with the supply chain.
Leading Partner: Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Other Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid- America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MO, MI, MN, MS, ND, NE, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: US Cotton Trust Protocol, Soil Health Institute, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, Cotton Council International, Cotton Incorporated, Agricenter International, North Carolina A&T State U, Alabama A&T U, Texas AgriLife.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000California Dairy Research Foundation Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will build climate-smart dairy markets and provide financial incentives for dairy producers to adopt climate-smart manure management practices to reduce methane emissions, leveraging matching funding from non-federal sources. Financial incentives are planned on a per-cow basis to producers to implement vermifiltration, evaporative liquid waste processing systems, subsurface drip fertigation using liquid manure, weeping walls, aerated static compost piles, and others. On average producers will likely receive incentives that account for 30 to 50 percent of their total costs of CSAF practice adoption, while also receiving a premium for the climate-smart milk. This project plans to utilize partnerships designed to market climate-smart milk for a higher premium and conduct a consumer market messaging analysis to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of approaches to best promote climate-smart milk in multiple market channels.
Lead Partner: California Dairy Research Foundation
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, California Milk Advisory Board, Dairy Cares, California Dairy Campaign, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, Milk Producers Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Sustainable Conservation, Western United Dairies, California Farm Bureau Federation, University of California, Davis, University of California, Riverside, University of California Cooperative Extension, Truterra, California Dairies, Inc., Challenge Dairy Products, Nestlé
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $85,000,000Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) Partnership: Supporting Agricultural Producers at All Scales to Deliver Productivity, Market Opportunities, and Enhanced Soil, Water, and Climate Benefits
This project will build climate-smart markets for a variety of agricultural commodities and help to make adopting climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices more economically viable for producers by compensating them at a rate that guarantees and reasonable return, with a price floor that surpasses costs. It also proposes to conduct research on consumer willingness to pay for climate-smart labels to help assess the private market and label effectiveness, and develop a national climate-smart agriculture and forestry certification model that can used with private sector purchasers.
Lead Partner: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Other Major Partners: Rural Investment to Protect Our Environment (RIPE), Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, North Dakota Farmers Union, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Arkansas Rice Federation, Agricultural Council of Arkansas, Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Assoc., Natl. Assoc. of Conservation Districts, National Black Growers Council, Sustainable Food Lab, Environmental Initiative, and Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR)
Primary States Expected: AR, MN, ND, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Rice, Beef, Pork, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000Rice Stewardship Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities
This project will build climate-smart rice markets and work to reduce methane emissions in rice production through the adoption of alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigation, and other climate- smart practices and support underserved producers by improving critical infrastructure necessary to implement climate-smart practices in the future. This project plans to work with Black and underserved producers to leverage over 60 Climate-Smart practices and scenarios. USA rice plans to work with monitoring partners to certify quantified emission reductions for grain produced through this pilot and promote marketing assistance.
Lead Partner: USA Rice Federation, Inc
Other Major Partners: National Black Growers Council; Warehouses4Good; Entergy Corporation; Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; USA Rice; California Rice Commission; Delta F.A.R.M.; Walmart Corporation; Walmart Foundation; Nestle’ Purina PetCare Company; The Mosaic Company; RiceTec, Inc.; Anheuser-Busch; Riceland Foods; Delta Plastics; Corteva Agriscience; Field to Market; Arva Intelligence; Regrow; University of Arkansas; Mars; Kellogg’s
Primary States Expected: AR, CA, LA, MS, MO, TX
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000Horizon II: A Climate-Smart Future for Corn, Soybean, Livestock, and Renewable Natural Gas Production
This project will enhance climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve carbon sequestration in the production of corn, soybean, pork, and beef commodities, while creating opportunities for small and underserved producers and benefitting soil health, clean water, flood control, and habitats for native wildlife. Project plans provide financial compensation for producers to plant prairie grasses and cover crops to be harvested and converted to biogas and biofertilizer in digesters. Partners plan to establish markets for cover crops and grassland restoration on low profit corn and soybean croplands.
Lead Partner: Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC
Other Major Partners: Biostar Renewables, Conservation Districts of Iowa, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa State University, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Sievers Family Farms, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, Smithfield Foods, The Nature Conservancy, University of Missouri, Verdesian, Veterans in Agriculture
Primary States Expected: IA, MO
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Pork, Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies, National Bison Association, Agspire, Tanka fund, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company, Cold Creek Buffalo Company, Millborn Seeds, SmartScore.ai, Yard Stick, Texas A & M, C-Lock
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative
This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, including Tribal and Black farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment. The project plans to focus on cover crops, low- or no-till, nutrient management, and/or enhanced efficiency fertilizers to increase supply of climate-smart corn, cotton, soy, and wheat.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Other Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, MS, MO, MN, MT, NE, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate-Smart Agriculture Partnerships
This project will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate- smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Other Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Primary States Expected: CA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MD, MI, MN, NE, ND, NM, NY, OH, PA, SD, TX, UT, WI
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000Building Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities in South Carolina
This project will utilize a coalition of 27 entities to execute a pilot project that provides incentives to farmers to implement climate-smart (CS) production practices. The project will examine and verify the benefits resulting from implementing CS practices and will support development of markets for the resulting CS commodities. The project plans to provide direct payments to producers to implement climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and tillage management, reduced tillage, mulching, nutrient management, prescribed grazing, prescribed fire, tree stand improvement, and early successional habitat development and management. The plan to develop and expand involves advanced economic analysis techniques to estimate economic and environmental benefits and to assess potential long-term viability, as well as creation of a labeling and certification process for climate-smart commodities.
Lead Partner: Clemson University
Other Major Partners: SC State U., American Peanut Council, Aster Global Environmental Solutions, Barry Graden, CU Wood Utilization Institute, Forest Assoc. of SC, Help for Landowners, Mixon Seeds, Plametto Agribusiness Council, Petrichor Global, SC Cattleman's Assoc., SC Peanut Board, SC Southern SARE, SC Timber Producers Assoc., SC Forage and Grazing Lands Coalition, SC Farmer;s Markets, SC Specialty Crop Assoc., The Long Leaf Alliance, Tidewater Lumber and Moulding, US Endowment for Forests and Communities, WP Rawl, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Gullah Geechee Community, SC Black Farmer's Assoc, SC New & Beginning Farmers Program, Fartmer Veteran Coalition of SC, Women in Agriculture, Women Owning Woodlands
Primary States Expected: SC
Major Commodities: Peanuts, Beef, Forage, Leafy Greens, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000National Sorghum Producers Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will implement climate-smart production practices across hundreds of thousands of acres of sorghum working lands, with the goal of reducing hundreds of millions of pounds of carbon emissions and developing markets for sorghum as a climate-smart commodity.
Lead Partner: National Sorghum Producers Association
Other Major Partners: KS Black Farmers Assoc.; Peoria Tribe of Indians of OK; KS AgriWomen; Women Managing the Farm; CO, KS, NM, OK & TX Sorghum Assocs; United Sorghum Checkoff, Prairie View A&M, CO State, TX Tech, TX A&M, KS State and OK State Univ.; NM & KS Depts of Agriculture; Field to Market; RIPE; Trust in Food™; Natl. Cotton Council; Amer. Coalit. for Ethanol; KS Water, Pheasants/Quail Forever; Salk Institute; Danforth Center; Galvanize Clim. Solut.; Arable; Argonne Natl Lab; K-Coe Isom; Sust Envir Consult; ServiTech, Danone; Kashi; Bayer Crop Sci; ADM; Conestoga Energy; KS Ethanol; Pratt, West Plains & Energy; Nu Life Market; CoBank; & High Plains Farm Credit
Primary States Expected: CO, KS, NM, OK, TX, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $65,000,000Texas Climate-Smart Initiative
This project, the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative (CSI), is a five-year multi-commodity pilot project to transition Texas' large agricultural sector to climate-smart agriculture and forestry (CSAF) practices and develop new markets for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to provide financial incentives for a wide array of climate-smart practices including cover crops, forestry practices, grazing and pasture management practices and nutrient management. Planned marketing efforts include brand creation and cost-benefit analysis tools for producer use.
Lead Partner: Texas A & M Agrilife Research
Other Major Partners: Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board, Prairie View A&M University, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, Tarleton State University, BCarbon, Nori, Plains Cotton Growers Association, Texas Wheat Producers Board, TX Corn Producers Board, TX Sorghum Producers Board, TX Rice Producers Board, U.S. Rice Producers Association, TX Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association, TX International Produce Association, TX Citrus Mutual, TX Pecan Growers Association, TX Small Farmers & Ranchers Organization, 100Ranchers, TX Cattle Feeders Association, TX Association of Dairymen, TX Poultry Federation, TX Forestry Association, TX Chapter of National Women in Agriculture, Global Revive, Small Producers Initiative, American Plant Food
Primary States Expected: TX
Major Commodities: Cotton, Wheat, Sorghum, Corn, Rice, Vegetables, Livestock, Dairy, Forest Products, Citrus, Pecan, Olive, Grapes, Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $65,000,000Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Other Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, CO, GA, IN, KS, KY:MS, MO, MT, NE, ND, OK, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000NYS Connects: Climate-Smart Farms and Forests
Utilizing behavioral systems approach to break through social norms/barriers, this project will build on strong existing partnerships in the conservation and agricultural communities in NY state to expand climate-smart markets. This project will fund ag producers/forest landowners to implement multiple climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, utilize modern tools to quantify results of climate-smart agriculture, and build connections between landowners and companies with a demand for climate- smart commodities. COMET-Planner is planned to be used to assess each climate-smart practice in the project. For key practices, including the pilot practice areas in methane mitigation, enhanced weathering and agroforestry, the project plans to use International Panel on Climate Change methods, empirical data collection by Cornell University and Soil and Water Conservation District staff, and other tools. Utilizing existing data, along with new data collected from implemented climate-smart practices during the project period, a new decision support tool will be created to more accurately assess carbon sequestration for farmland and GHG mitigation as a result of implemented practices. The Ecological Platform for Assimilation of Data (EcoPAD) platform, developed and scientifically validated over the past two decades and deployed primarily for research in C cycling, will be further developed to allow New York State to use the system to determine the best incentive practices that balance economic activities with GHG emissions mitigation and C sequestration. Blockchain Technology will be part of the mechanism to track carbon through supply chain ecosystem. A pilot project will be developed for New York’s building sector to help transition to low carbon construction materials. A New York State Climate-Smart Commodities Label ecosystem will be created. The New York Climate-Smart label would track & promote climate-smart commodities through the value chain by commodity type to the final product. The project plans to engage directly with underserved and socially disadvantaged producers through an extensive network of service providers including the Cornell Small Farmers Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension Specialists and Soil & Water Conservation Districts, planning to reach at least 200 small and underserved producers with financial incentives. The project plans to give participants the option to have cost-share paid directly to the contractor to help overcome financial barriers to practice implementation associated with upfront funding needs.
Lead Partner: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation**
Other Major Partners: Dept. of Agriculture and Markets*,**, Energy Research & Development Authority & Soil and Water Conservation Committee, Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences*, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry*, Syracuse University*, County Soil and Water Conservation Districts*, Evidn*, Michigan State University*, Mercy Works*, Cornell Small Farms Equitable Farm Futures Initiative & Veterans FarmOps program, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY urban ag team, International Refugee Committee NY, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanic Garden, Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, SCRE Design*, Innsure*
Primary States Expected: NY
Major Commodities: Dairy, Livestock, Field Crops, Fruits, Vegetables, Specialty Crops, Forestry
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Climate-Smart Commodities for Idaho: A Public-Private-Tribal Partnership
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 100 farms in Idaho through the provision of financial and technical assistance to producers, with a focus on barley, beef, chickpea, potatoes, sugar, wheat, and hops. Project plans to direct 75 percent of funds to participant incentives for implementing a variety of practices including cover crops, no-till, biochar, cover crops with livestock grazing, interseeding of legumes and precision fertilizer application. The measurement and monitoring system are planned to be based on field and laboratory measurements using a spatially nested design to facilitate scaling-up of project results. The Carbon Management Evaluation Tools (COMET-Farm) are planned to be utilized throughout the project to establish baselines; this project also plans to generate data from field measurements of GHG emissions that will be used to improve COMET and other models for use within the western U.S. This project plans to focus on seven key commodities in Idaho with national and international markets: barley, beef, chickpea, potatoes, sugar, wheat, hops and specialty crops. At least 30% of enrolled producers are planned to be from underserved communities, including mostly veterans, women, and small producers.
Lead Partner: Regents of the University of Idaho
Other Major Partners: Coeur d’Alene Tribe* Nez Perce Tribe* Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts*, The Nature Conservancy*, The Wave Foundation, Desert Mountain Grassfed Beef*, Salmon Safe/Kooskooskie Fish, LLC, University of Idaho*, SaulGill, LLC DBA Arrowleaf Consulting*
Primary States Expected: ID, Tribal
Major Commodities: Barley, Beef, Chickpea, Potatoes, Sugar Beets, Wheat, Hops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-Led Climate-Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up
This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, like cover crops and stripcropping, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards. Each farmer-led project under the proposal will be encouraged to create enhanced financial incentives for underserved and small farmers to encourage participation. The project plans to encourage on-ramps into available business opportunities and increase revenue streams associated with the adoption of climate-smart actions. Marketing plans focus on a bottom-up approach to establishing markets through farmer leadership in areas with farmer-led projects.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, OH, OR, SD, WI, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Climate-Smart Potatoes from the Pacific Northwest: Managing Soil Health for Climate-Smart Outcomes
This project will build climate-smart markets and advance adoption of climate-smart management systems in the Pacific Northwest states of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon where more than 62% of U.S. potatoes are grown and 15% of the domestic supply of seed potatoes are produced. Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification are planned to be conducted at multiple scales to: (i) verify that conservation practices are implemented, (ii) establish Soil Health and C Targets, (iii) estimate GHG emission reductions at the county/Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) level, (iv) verify GHG emission reductions at the farm field level, (v) verify soil C-sequestration estimates, changes in soil C, and changes in soil health at the farm field level, and (vi) report on the practices and their impacts on GHG emissions, C-sequestration, and soil health over the five-year project period. As a part of developing pilot markets, the project identified two companies (Threemile Canyon and Mart Produce) that are interested in investigating development of pilot markets and promotions for Climate-Smart labelled potato products. Additionally, a pilot marketplace for buyers and sellers using chain-of-custody ownership tracking via the block chain through supply chains is planned to be investigated for the potential exchange of C-credits among project participants such as contracts between producers and processors/handlers, and between processors/handlers and product purchasers. The project plans to engage independent grower networks to reach small and underserved producers and plans to work through tribal liasons and partner networks to reach tribal producers. The three partnering tribes plan to enroll approximately 50,000 acres in the program. The project will continue engaging and enrolling additional tribes throughout the life of the project. The project will provide financial assistance as well as technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Oregon State University
Other Major Partners: Oregon State University, University of Idaho*, Washington State University, Soil Health Institute*, LoCo Plus, LLC*, Seven Generations LLC*, Industrial Hemp Association of Washington, Lamb Weston, Frito-Lay, Mart Produce, Simplot, Yakama Nation: Confederated Tribes and Bands, Nez Perce Tribe*, Confederated Tribes of the Colville
Primary States Expected: ID, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Potatoes
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Unlocking the Benefits of Regenerative Almonds: Partnerships to Develop and Expand Global Climate-Smart Market Opportunities through Grower Incentives
This project will promote the adoption of climate-smart and regenerative practices on California almond farms, including those operated by underserved producers, and expand market opportunities for climate-smart almonds through development of verified claims, business-to-business reporting, and supply-chain greenhouse gas quantification. This will support the development of a market-based mechanism for almond buyers and incentivize almond growers to adopt climate-smart practices. The project plans to provide incentives for almond grower adoption of cover crops, conservation cover, hedgerows, and whole orchard recycling. The project plans to develop a third-party verification and chain of custody system to support marketing efforts. And explore how to best leverage products as propriety brands or ingredient products sold to other food companies, or both. The project plans to have all growers quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits using the COMET Planner Tool as employed in California for the CDFA Healthy Soils Program. The project also plans to develop a system of monitoring, reporting, and third-party verification of climate-smart practices. The project plans to engage third-party verification and chain of custody systems to support climate-smart claims that relate to product labeling needs and customer expectations. Upon establishment of these systems, Blue Diamond Growers will convene meetings with key internal leaders, consumer insights analysts, and financial analysts to explore how to best leverage product claims resulting from this program with either proprietary brands or ingredient products sold to other food companies, or both. Upon establishment of these systems, Blue Diamond Growers will convene meetings with key internal leaders, consumer insights analysts, and financial analysts to explore how to best leverage product claims resulting from this program with either proprietary brands or ingredient products sold to other food companies, or both. About 85% of the requested funds are planned to go to specialty crop growers of almonds to implement Climate Smart practices.
Lead Partner: Blue Diamond Growers**
Other Major Partners: Cool Farm Alliance Pollinator Partnership*, Project Apis*, SureHarvest, Where Food Comes From, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Almonds
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Supreme Rice, LLC's Climate-Smart Initiative to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Water Use Through the Adoption of Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation Practices in Rice Production
This project will expand climate-smart markets and provide financial incentives for underserved and small-scale rice producers to reduce methane emissions through alternate wetting and drying irrigation and adopt other sustainable growing practices to reduce emissions and water consumption. Project plans to offer financial incentives for changing management practices and reducing perceived risk barriers. A multi-faceted campaign is planned to educate consumers and recognized participating producers. Pre-established baselines are planned to be used to quantify methane emissions in rice by peer-reviewed research. Automated water level measuring devices, Crop Links, are planned to be deployed at a rate of 1 per every 100 acres.The project plans to design a campaign to educate consumers and bring recognition to the farmers and climate-smart commodities in the project. This campaign would be multi-faceted in nature, through the use of focused storytelling, TV Ads, Radio, YouTube Videos, Facebook Ads, Cooking shows, and Billboard Ads. Supreme plans to ensure that growers who fit the “underserved and small grower” category are informed and have every opportunity to participate in the program. The project expects to enroll 769 growers and 166,415 program acres attributed to underserved rice growers.
Lead Partner: Supreme Rice, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Southern University and A&M College*, Louisiana State University*,**, Louisiana Rice Growers, Arkansas Rice Growers
Primary States Expected: AR, LA
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy
Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on- farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Primary States Expected: CT, KS, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NM, NY, PA, RI, TX, VT
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy, Western New York Energy, Ingredion, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company), Agris (Greenstone), Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Dairy, Poultry, Beef, Pork, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project
This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Other Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, CA, CO, IL, IN, FL, GA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NE, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV, WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Portfolio of Partnerships for Hawaii Climate-Smart Commodities
This project will help overcome climate-smart implementation barriers through investment and incentives, improve technical assistance capacity through community-based organization networks, build decision support tools for modeling/verification, and generate internal momentum for a market- based climate-smart sustainable food system embedded within resilient and abundant landscapes across Hawaii. The project plans to use a statewide producer engagement team to spearhead a phased approach to producer engagement and equity. It also plans to conduct comprehensive consumer and institutional buyer studies, develop a locally grown and climate smart communications and branding strategy in partnership with major institutional purchases, tourism industry, food hubs, retailers and distributors.
Lead Partner: Lynker Corporation
Other Major Partners: Hawai'i Producer Engagement Team, Hawai'i Cattlemen's Council, Oahu Resource Conservation and Development Council, Hawai'i Farmers Union United, Teh Kohala Centger, Pacific Gateway Center, Forest Solutions Incorporated, Hawai'i department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and wildlife, University of Hawai'i manoa, University of Florida, Colorado State University, NRDS, Lynker, Transforming Hawai'i's Food Systems together, Hawai'i Department of Agriculture, Aloha+ Challenge, Hawai'i Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Taskforce, FarmLink.
Primary States Expected: HI
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Agroforestry, Breadfruit, Avocado, Beef, Sugarcane, Taro, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)
This multi-year project will pilot, test, and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to climate-smart markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Other Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Catlemen's Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange
Primary States Expected: Nationwide
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)
This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide climate-smart commodity (CSC) forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products. The project plans to work with Center for Heirs' Property Preservation and Women Owning Woodlands to increase the participation of underserved minority and women forest owners in climate-smart practices, dedicating five workshops for these two groups. Through the grant period, the project anticipates engaging 450 underserved landowners in South Carolina and at least 400 more in additional states. During the term of the grant, AFF and its partners plan to market the resulting, third-party verified climate benefits from participating properties not as carbon credits, but as climate benefits associated with wood products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Other Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Primary States Expected: AL, GA, IN, KY, MD, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Building a Climate-Smart Domestic Rubber Industry and a Solution for Growers to a Water Crisis
This project will expand natural rubber production in the Southwest with lowered greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs in the region and for tribal stakeholders, and building a climate-smart rubber bioeconomy based on climate-smart and sustainable practices. This project plans to pay a per acre per year incentive, and fund planting, harvesting and delivery of the crop to the processing facility. The work proposed almost exclusively works with underserved and small producers, including the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Colorado River Tribes. The project aims to include marketing the rubber to Bridgestone, which is providing more than $35M in cost share to the project. The strategy would incorporate an integrated, robust, and comprehensive approach to data measurement and analysis, which includes soil carbon and plant measurements, ground level GHG measurements, flux tower measurements, soil carbon modeling, and holistic life cycle and techno-economic modeling. Data from field measurements and modeling is planned to be used to recommend large-scale adoption and feed directly into COMET-Farm and COMET-Planner. The project aims to include marketing the rubber to Bridgestone. Bridgestone is providing more than $35M in cost share, demonstrating its commitment to the development of the climate-smart natural rubber commodity. Bridgestone is currently pursuing numerous market areas and has already engaged prospective customers in many of those areas. Some specific market activities by co-product/product including natural rubber latex and resin. This project plans to pay a per acre per year incentive regardless of yield and fund planting, harvesting and delivery of the crop to the processing facility. The work proposed almost exclusively works with underserved and small producers, including the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Colorado River Tribes.
Lead Partner: University of Arizona
Other Major Partners: Bridgestone Americas, Inc.**, Colorado State University*, OpenET*, Tohono O'odham Nation, Colorado River Indian Tribes (Mohave, Chemeuvi, Hopi and Navajo peoples)
Primary States Expected: AZ, Tribal
Major Commodities: Natural Rubber
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Climate-Smart Specialty Grains and Oilseeds: Covering America from Coast to Coast
This project increases on-farm crop rotations via a holistic management soil health protocol that results in identity preserved specialty grains and oilseeds, as well as a new category of climate-smart cover crop seed. The climate-smart specialty grains and oilseeds project will encourage farmers in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest to raise climate-smart oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina and develop related climate-smart markets. Project plans to provide technical assistance and direct financial climate-smart practice incentive payments or producer premiums for CS commodities. Partners plan to provide each underserved or small-scale producer participant a whole farm analysis enrolling more of their acres in working land conservation programs. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to quantify GHG benefits from both the contract specialty grain and oilseed fields and the resulting cover crops planted from their production. This project plans to grow five specialty crops (oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina) in a comprehensive climate-smart manner. Millborn Seeds plans to connect cover crop seed users. A target of 25% of total acres each year are planned to be reserved for underserved or small producers, ensuring that at least 25% of the incentive payments for the per bushel premium will go to these two producer groups. Additionally, an underserved rate is planned to be used for cover crop or perennial forage planting adoption, and technical assistance is planned to be provided to all participants on an individual basis. Each underserved or small producer are planned to receive a whole farm analysis from AgSpire on how more of their acres could participate in additional working lands conservation programs, beyond the enrolled acres in this project.
Lead Partner: Millborn Seeds, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: AgSpire*, EarthOptics*, High Plains Biochar, Biochar Co-Op, Value Added Agriculture Development Center, Grain Millers Inc., Iowa Cover Crop
Primary States Expected: IA,MN,MT,NE,ND,SD,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Oats, Rye, Flax, Buckwheat, Camelina, Specialty Grain, Oilseed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000New England Climate-Smart Forest Partnership Project
This project will implement forest management practices with large commercial producers and smaller woodlot and Tribal owners to store more carbon in the forest, quantify the resulting carbon gains, and build markets for climate-smart forest products to store carbon in wood products and substitute wood products for fossil fuel-based materials. The project aims to include Climate-smart forestry practices like reduced impact logging, timber stand improvement thinning, maintaining legacy trees and brown ash as a component of New England’s forest, as well as maintain cultural integrity and economy of First Nations. This project plans to utilize the monitoring and verification program created by AFF and TNC for the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) that provides a sophisticated methodology for determining carbon stocking and can differentiate between areas treated with practices and the surrounding landscape. The program plans to advance markets for climate-smart forest products with a focus on high-value wood in the mass timber sector. The project plans to engage affordable housing agencies across the region in utilizing mass timber construction. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production.
Lead Partner: New England Forestry Foundation**
Other Major Partners: Seven Islands, Weyerhauser, Wagner Woodlands, Baskahegan, Robbins Lumber, Pasamoquoddy Forestry Dept, UMaine*,**, Nature Conservancy, Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership, Mass Tree Farm Program, Hull Forestlands, Heyes Family Forests, Trust to Conserve Northeast forestlands*,**, American Forest Foundation*,**, Spatial informatic group*, Innov. Natural Res. Solutions*, Spritios Properties, LLC*,**, Leers Weinzapfel Assoc*,**, Quantified Ventures*,**, Woodworks*, Forest Stewards Guild, Mas Audobon, Our climate common, Highstead Foundation, Mass Forest Alliance, CT Forest & Park Assoc, Appalach. Mtn Club. Mass Woodlands Institute,Tom Walker*, John Hagen*, Daigneault Consulting*
Primary States Expected: ME, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Climate Beneficial Fiber: Building New, Accessible, and Equitable Market Opportunities for Climate-Smart Cotton and Wool
This project will expand the existing Climate Beneficial™ fiber program: a system for sequestering carbon, regenerating soil health and resilience, improving social equity, and bolstering America's ability to produce climate-smart fiber. A newly created, open-source, Carbon Farm Planning and Verification Platform will streamline climate-smart agriculture planning and verification for producers, verifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The project plans to have a trained Planner monitor implementation, ensuring that practices are implemented in accordance with practice standard criteria linked to the COMET tools. A Portal database architecture is planned to allow for anticipated and realized GHG benefits to be queried by project, region, commodity, or dollar expended, allowing these data to be aggregated and analyzed at various scales. Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation.
Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation. This project aims to meet the equity goals of the Justice40 Initiative, directing at least 40% of project benefits to small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource, and women farmers, as well as producers growing specialty crops.
Lead Partner: National Center for Appropriate Technology, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Carbon Cycle Institute*,**, Colorado State University Dept of Soil and Crop Sciences*, Fibershed*,**, Seed 2 Shirt*,**, New York Textile Lab*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, GA, IN, MT, NC, NY, SD, TN, WY
Major Commodities: Sheep, Wool, Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Climate-Smart Grasslands: The Root of Agricultural Carbon Markets
A diverse partnership of 28 entities will develop climate-smart grasslands agriculture markets and practices for the eastern U.S. through a large-scale pilot project. The project collaborates with 245 working farms to install innovative, scientifically sound practices, including grazing, seeding grass and using soil amendments,that improve soil carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain operational profitability and resiliency. The project plans to market climate-smart beef with the ultimate goal of launching a cooperative to sell climate-smart beef products.
Lead Partner: The University of Tennessee
Other Major Partners: Univ. of AR, KY, MO AL Cooperative Extension, Clemson Univ., NC State University, Purdue Univ., TN State Univ., Univ. of TN, VA State University, and VA Tech, Tyson Foods Inc., JBS, Corteva, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Ecosystem Services Marketing Consortium, American Forage & Grassland Council, National Grazing Lands Coalition, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, multiple state cattle associations, American and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federations, The Nature Conservancy, American Bird Conservancy, Monarch JointVenture, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, TN Department of Agriculture, MO Department of Conservation, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, IN, KY, MO, NC, SC, TN, VA
Major Commodities: Beef, Small Ruminants, Dairy, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Climate-Smart Cotton through a Sustainable and Innovative Supply Chain Approach
This project will expand climate-smart cotton markets and implement methods to restore soil and ecosystem health in cotton production through regenerative farming and best practices based on specific regions and needs. The project plans to create tools focused on small and underserved producers for communications, climate smart educational materials, outreach/educational activities, and engagement on farm for data collection and practice implementation. The project plans to enroll women and minority farmers. The project plans to work with partners, farmers, and brands to further intensify and target cooperation with clients around the purchase and sale of climate-smart cotton, as well as the development of long-term strategies and agreements progressing the market for climate-smart cotton in a way which is economically sustainable for all value chain players – from farmer to consumer.
Lead Partner: Ecom USA, LLC
Other Major Partners: ECOM USA, Earthworm. Quarterway Cotton Growers, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, University of Arkansas Coop Ext, CIBO Technologies, Control Union, 5 LOCCotton, Product DNA
Primary States Expected: AR, TX
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Climate-Smart Camelina
This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems and build associate climate-smart biofuels markets. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Primary States Expected: ID, CO, KS, MO, MT, OK, OR, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Camelina
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Producer Led Collaborative Effort to Fundamentally Transition the U.S. Beef Supply Chain to Carbon Neutral
This eight-state project will amplify production of climate-smart beef by expanding market drivers, grassroots support networks, and early adopter mentors and providing technical assistance for the adoption of climate-smart grazing practices to substantially reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. The project plans 90 percent of participants will be small-scale producers.
Lead Partner: American Farmland Trust
Other Major Partners: The Integrity Beef Alliance, Indigo Ag, AgriWebb, Freedmen Heirs Foundation, Earth Optics, Regenified, OpenTEAM, U.S. Biochar Initiative, Virginia Forage and Grasslands Council, Maryland Grazers Network, Pennsylvania Grazing Lands Coalition, Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, Black Family Land Trust, Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont, and Farmer Veteran Coalition
Primary States Expected: AL, GA, MD, MS, OK, PA, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000The GEVO Climate-Smart Farm-to-Flight Program
The project aims to create critical structural climate-smart market incentives for low carbon-intensity corn as well as to accelerate the production of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce the sector’s dependency on fossil-based fuel. This project includes an immediate market opportunity to sell climate- smart, low-climate-impact corn. The project plans to use existing relationships within the airline industry to secure offtake agreements for low-carbon intensity sustainable aviation fuel and other biofuel purchasers. The project plans to establish an advisory council, which will include members from underserved groups, specifically focusing on gender equality and minority representation from the Native tribal organizations, to ensure project design and implementation adequately account for underserved producers and communities. Program materials, education and training are planned to be centered on minority-owned farms and the benefits of enrolling their farm acreage in a climate-smart commodities program; this project also specifically aims to enroll two historically underserved groups: women (majority female-owned farms) in southeast Iowa and southeast Nebraska and Native American tribal organizations in South Dakota, including the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
Lead Partner: Gevo, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC, Google, Farmers Edge, EarthOptics, South Dakota State University, Regen Ag Labs, Yard Stick, Double H Ag Services, Farmers Edge, AgSpire, PrairieFood, Stine Seed Farm, Holganix, Trace Genomics, MidState Agronomy, Double H Ag Services, Colorado State University, Iowa State University, Standing Rock (SAGE) Renewable Energy Power Authority
Primary States Expected: MN, SD, NE, IA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West
This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to verify GHG benefits. In addition, Colorado State University will study impact and adoption of climate-smart soil health practices. The project plans to use a STAR Rating System to market & receive premium for climate-smart products. Branding opportunities for STAR related products will be used. The project plans to support multiple underserved producers with financial assistance. To ensure equitable administration that includes small / underserved producers, improved understanding and awareness of climate-smart commodities among small and underserved producers, expand their access to participation and reduce market entry risk, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) and others to help guide recruitment and peer to peer learning.
Lead Partner: Colorado Department of Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District*, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts & Conservation Districts in other states*,**, Colorado Open Lands*, Colorado State University*, National Center for Appropriate Technology*, Sangre de Cristo Association of Acequias, Univ. of Idaho, Montana State Univ., New Mexico State Univ., Utah State University, Univ. of Wyoming, Audubon Society, Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, Acres USA, Quivira Coalition, Yardstick, Zero Foodprint, Bob’s Red Mill, Quinn Snacks, Groundup Consulting*,
Primary States Expected: CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WA, WY
Major Commodities: Beef, Corn, Grains
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000An Integrated Approach to Scaling-Up Climate-Smart Practices for Crop, Livestock, and Agroforestry Production
This project will focus on a training program about climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices in conjunction with financial incentives for ag producers who implement the CSA practices. The goal is to expand climate-smart agriculture markets throughout Missouri and serve as a teaching model for other states. To better engage small scale producers, including underserved farmers, the project plans to offer 100 farmers incentive funds to create climate-smart fieldscape demonstrations including cover crops and regenerative grazing.
Lead Partner: The Curators of the University of Missouri
Other Major Partners: Center for Regenerative Agriculture, Center for Agroforestry, Lincoln University, MO Soybean Assoc./Merchandising Council, MO Corn Growers Assoc./Merchandising Council, MO Cattlemen’s Association, MO Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, The Nature Conservancy, Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, EarthDance, STAR Program, ESMC, MO Departs. of Ag., Natural Resources & Conservation, U.S Geological Survey, MO Agribusiness Association, MFA Inc., MO Fertilizer Control Board, Kansas City Food Hub, FarmRaise, MARC-IV Consulting, Nestle-Purina, Show-Me Energy, Mid-America Biofuels, MO Prime Beef Packers
Primary States Expected: MO
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Oats, Sorghum, Cotton, Beef, Forage, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Quantifying the Potential to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increase Carbon Sequestration by Growing and Marketing Climate-Smart Commodities in the Southern Piedmont
Aimed at the southern piedmont vegetable farming community, this proposal will utilize an interdisciplinary system approach including farmer adoption, understanding economic/social barriers, market/consumer buy-in, utilizing technology, and easing the burden on farmers. The results of the project will build climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increases carbon sequestration, and increase farmer economic opportunities and adoption of climate-smart agriculture.
Leading Partner: Rodale Institute
Other Major Partners: University of Georgia, Virginia Association for Biological Farming, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, Georgia Organics, Emory University, University of Georgia, Soil Health Institute, University of Tennessee, Clemson University, North Carolina State University, University of Wisconsin - Madison, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
Primary States Expected: GA, NC, PA, SC, VA
Major Commodities: Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate-Smart Agriculture that is Profitable, Regenerative, Actionable, and Trustworthy (CARAT)
This project will enable partners to expand climate-smart markets and work with dairy producers in PA to implement climate-smart agriculture. An overarching goal is establishing successful and profitable partnerships between diverse producers, including underserved producers, and consumers, leading to a reduction of greenhouse gases, suppressing methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and storage of carbon. The proposal plans to market climate-smart milk by utilizing the CARAT advisory board to connect with companies interested in purchasing greenhouse gas credits or climate-smart milk.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania State University- University Park
Other Major Partners: Center for Dairy Excellence, Proagrica, Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, Red Barn Consulting
Primary States Expected: PA
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000The Mid-Atlantic Conservation Innovation Fund Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will help expand climate-smart markets and address climate-smart plans and practices for hundreds of dairy producers and will provide an on-ramp and serve as a catalyst for additional state and private capital to bolster the implementation of whole farm plans.
Lead Partner: The Conservation Innovation Fund
Other Major Partners: Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, South Mountain Creamery, Stroud Water Research Center, Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, TeamAg, RedBarn Consulting, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Primary States Expected: PA, VA, MD
Major Commodities: Dairy, Beef, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Building the Climate-Smart Wood Economy
This project brings together Tribal, small family forest, and nonprofit wood producers with data scientists and the design and construction industry to manage and restore tens of thousands of acres in Oregon. The project will quantify the positive impacts of climate-smart management on carbon sequestration, wildfire intensity, and cultural values, and will also build resources for project teams to navigate climate-smart markets for wood procurement through pre-design, design, and construction phases and support sale. Carbon impacts of climate-smart timber purchasing is planned to be estimated by comparing the difference in carbon intensity for participating landowners against regional benchmarks of the carbon intensity of commodity timber production from industrial forestlands. Forest biomass and carbon stocks are planned to be measured using satellite imagery. A simple user-friendly web application is also planned to be scoped and developed to deliver carbon impact metrics per unit of roundwood which can then be converted into carbon impacts for specific end-products. The project work plans to recognize and make accessible the entirety of the Pacific Northwest climate-smart timber supply chain, track and trace the flow of fiber from source forests, through mills and processing, and into ten construction projects. To allow the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) community to differentiate between wood products based on forest carbon and associated ecosystem impacts, the project plans to build a simple, user-friendly web application that covers the contiguous U.S. This tool is planned to be designed with input from the intended end users, the AEC community, to ensure meeting their needs and providing them with an easy to use solution. In addition, contract payments to sawmills is planned to drive participation to grow transparency and data about log supply, as well as offer price premiums for sales of climate-smart wood to an interested buyer. Landowner sales incentives are planned to offer a premium to landowners for selling their wood to a participating sawmill. Producer payments are planned to focus on tribal partners, supporting culturally informed forest restoration work that partners would like to pursue on ancestral lands. Ecotrust also plans to engage in technical assistance and co-production of forest impact assessment deep dives involving Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV) activities with several tribes. These deep dives will characterize embodied carbon and other quantifiable impacts associated with tribal forest management. The intent of these deep dives is to increase tribal capacity and readiness to engage in marketing of tribal timber as a climate-smart commodity.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: EcoTrust*,**, Northwest Natural Resources Group*,**, Trout Mountain Forestry*,**, Vibrant Planet Data Commons*,**, Washington Conservation Action*,**, Virbrant Planet Public Benefit Corporation*,**, Pierce Conservation District*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Growing the Supply and Market for Climate-Smart Grass-Fed Organic Dairy via Maple Hill Creamery
This project will expand climate-smart markets for dairy producers and enable a network of partners and producers to implement climate-smart practices by incentivizing implementation and providing training support. This will lead to greater environmental practices and enhanced viability for farms that implement them. The project plans to provide participants incentives for Avoided Conversion, Pasture Scoring, Training and Voluntary participation. Marketing plans include updated branding materials like packaging, advertising, social media and a website. The project plans to utilize a combination of core tools: COMET, a Pasture Scorecard, on-farm soil sampling, and third-party soil health measurements. The monitoring, measurement, and reporting is planned to be led by a technical expert with third-party verification and soil is planned to be sampled utilizing the soil sampling framework developed by partners. The project plans to update all branding materials, including the website, packaging, advertising, and social media to draw attention to climate-smart farming efforts and CO2 impacts to draw and expand upon consumer desire to support Climate-Smart grass-fed organic products – milk for yogurt, butter, and kefir. The project provides a number of incentives, including Avoided Conversion Incentive payments, Voluntary Incentive payments, Pasture Scoring incentives and Training incentives.
Lead Partner: Maple Hill Creamery LLC
Other Major Partners: Dharma Lea, LLC*,**, Paul Harris Development, LLC*, Stone Barns*, Point Blue Conservation Science, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA)*, Open TEAM at Wolfe’s Neck Center, Shannon O'Sullivan, K&O Farm, James Young, Amber Waves, Spring Weather, Serenity Acres Farm, Evening Star Ranch, Reginelli and Aeschlimann, Adam Tafel, Periggo Farm, Whole Foods
Primary States Expected: NY
Major Commodities: Dairy, Specialty Grains, Oilseeds
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Growing Value for Producers
This project will create and pilot-test a farmer-friendly system that builds capacity with institutions interacting with a range of producers, including underserved producers, to support adoption of climate- smart practices and interact with commodity buyers in climate-smart markets.
Lead Partner: Winrock International Institute for Agriculture Development
Other Major Partners: Arva Intelligence, Blue Raster, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Riceland Foods Inc Primary States Expected: AR, MO, Tribal
Major Commodities: Rice, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000National Pork Board's Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value Proposal
The goal of this project is to increase the sustainability of U.S. pork products by advancing climate-smart agriculture practices within the feed supply, thereby maintaining market demand and price premiums in a rapidly evolving consumer world. The geography of focus – Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri – encapsulates a concentration of pork facilities supported by local grain production, representing a key region of the overall supply chain. Planned practices include cover crops, livestock integration in cover crops and manure management. The project plans to offer participants, including small-scale and underserved producers, free initial soil testing, technical assistance from partner agronomists, cost-share for practice adoption and tuition or scholarships for participating producers to attend advanced soil health training workshops through peer-to-peer networking.
The proposal plans to deploy an Sustainable Environmental Consultant's Ecosystem Practices software platform which uses the COMET-Farm GHG tool and Nutrient Tracking Tool for estimating Soil Organic Carbon stock changes, Nitrogen Oxide emissions, and nutrient and sediment losses, and use soil sampling to benchmark results. The project plans to utilize a number of processes to ensure adoption of practices, including precision farm data, work orders, seed purchase receipts, tagged images, remote sensed analytics, on-farm field inspection, and GHG results are planned to be aggregated from a field basis to the required spatial domain and will be delivered through dashboards and reports. Once published the quantified GHG benefits of U.S. pork and all the continuous sustainability improvement information derived through this project may be used by many entities, organizations and companies marketing pork globally. The project plans to support farmers to market their climate-smart commodities in a manner that best suits their production system and individual operation goals, empowering and incentivizing continuous improvement over the long-term (even after the grant is complete) including if they choose maturing environmental offset markets while also providing communications capacity to engage both producers (supply) and end-of-supply chain consumers (demand) in marketing resulting commodities and potential value-added. Priority ranking is planned for small and underserved producers. Technical and financial assistance, will include 1) Free initial soil test and baseline reporting 2) Free Technical Assistance (TA) from DU agronomy, SEC staff, and Millborn seed optimization specialist 3) Cost-share payments for CSA practice adoption 4) funded opportunities for participating producers to attend an advanced soil health training workshop (peer-peer networking).Lead Partner: National Pork Board**
Other Major Partners: Nestle, Sustainable Environmental Consultants, Ducks Unlimited*, Trust in Food (Farm Journal), Farm Credit Council**, Millborn Seed*, Nastrade**
Primary States Expected: IA, MN, MO
Major Commodities: Pork, Soybeans, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Building Soil, Building Equity: Accelerating a Regenerative Farming Movement in Appalachia and the Southeast
This project seeks to build climate-smart markets and sequester carbon over thousands of acres of Appalachian and rural southeastern land through strategic recruitment from networks of producers. The project will use education, outreach, technical assistance, and incentivizing producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture.
Lead Partner: Accelerating Appalachia
Other Major Partners: National Center for Appropriate Technologies, Kentucky State University, Working Trees from Stanford University’s TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy, Carbon Harvest Primary States Expected: GA, KY, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Row Crops, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Forest to Home
This project seeks to convert industrial timber and traditional forest product manufacturing to a BIPOC- owned supply chain for residential/commercial construction. The project will educate early adopters in forestry, tribes, black, and rural communities on benefits of climate-smart forest practices to maximize carbon sequestration. Timber harvested will be used to build housing units for underserved communities.
Lead Partner: Forterra NW
Other Major Partners: Yakama Nation, Abu Bakr Islamic Center, RJ Group, Aspect Structural Engineers, Gordian Knot Strategies, Sustainable Northwest, Zaugg and Whitehorse Timber, Snohomish County, Town of Darrington, Port of Portland, Roslyn Downtown Assoc, Town of Hamilton, City of Tacoma, X- Caliber Rural Capital
Primary States Expected: WA
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and underserved producers. Elevated plans to leverage its marketing and branding expertise to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers reach customers in multiple sectors from farmer’s markets to global retailers. Materials planned include branded stickers, bags and boxes, and social media promotion.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods Inc
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag, Soil Health Academy, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak, Regenified, Synoptek
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Apples, Grapes, Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000A Vibrant Future: Pilot Projects for Climate-Smart Fruit and Vegetable Production, Marketing, and Valuation of Ecosystem Services
This project will incentivize growers of specialty crops to adopt climate-smart production using practices like tillage management, alley cropping, water management and soil amendments, in order to establish consumer-driven climate-smart markets for fruits and vegetables grown using climate-smart practices. The project aims to develop tools for marketing climate-smart commodities that will be suitable for specialty crop growers, and could be adoptable by the larger ag industry. This would include a consumer-focused “climate-smart seal” to be affixed to fruits and vegetables and/or traceable and tradeable “climate-smart benefits bundles (CSBB)” that growers can use in financial transactions.
Lead Partner: International Fresh Produce Association
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, CropTrak, Frehner-Jens Consulting, Clark McDowall Brand Architecture Company, Alcorn State University, Measure to Improve, LLC, MS Small Farm and Agribusiness Center at Alcorn State, Alamo Farms, Bayer, Bland Farms, Bolthouse Farms, Calavo, Campbell Soup Company, Del-Monte, Driscoll's, Limoneira, Monterey Pacific, Noble Produce Holdings, Sun Pacific
Primary States Expected: AL, CA, FL, GA, LA
Major Commodities: Berries, Grapes, Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000NCBA CLUSA USDA NRCS CSC Proposal Narrative – Puerto Rico
This project will lead a consortium of cooperatives, farmer organizations, and minority serving institutions in Puerto Rico that will offer financial incentives to underserved farmers to adopt climate- smart agriculture and forestry practices for production of coffee and other commodities, building climate-smart markets. The project plans to implement a wide variety of on-the-ground climate-smart practices including reduced tillage, strip-tillage, biochar amendments, and cover crops. The project aims to increase resilience for smallholders Puerto Rican coffee farmers, their families, and their communities by increasing the diversification of crops grown in Multi-story Perennial Cropping systems. Given that Puerto Ricans rely on imports for more than 85% their food supply, farmers’ ability to expand into citrus, plantains, bananas, cacao, and other crops for local and for home consumption would have significant economic and food security benefits. Due to limitation of USDA’s COMET Planner in PR, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or other U.S. Territories, the project plans to use the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) Carbon Calculator (http://afolucarbon.org). Developed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Winrock International, the AFOLU Carbon Calculator (ACC) uses Intergovernmental Panel on Climate CO2 Change (IPCC)-based accounting methods to assess and quantify sequestration potential of a range of AFOLU practices, including agroforestry, cropland management, and grazing land management. Third-party verifier SustainCERT plans to verify the greenhouse gas benefits generated by the project and its associated processes. NCBA CLUSA plans to work with several commodity buyers to market CSCs produced through this pilot project (large market chains, National Restaurant Association, hospitality sector, and McDonalds). The PRFA has a “100% Puerto Rico” seal it uses for locally produced products and has agreed to extend the seal for 100% PR Climate-Smart Coffee for differentiation. The project also plans to engage Rainforest Alliance, a leading third-party certifier for certification of CSAF coffee for export to external markets. Beyond the quantifiable benefits to farmers’ bottom lines, the diversification of crops grown in Multi-story Perennial Cropping systems would increase resilience for smallholders Puerto Rican coffee farmers, their families, and their communities. Given that Puerto Ricans rely on imports for more than 85% their food supply, farmers’ ability to expand into citrus, plantains, bananas, cacao, and other crops for local and for home consumption would have significant economic and food security benefits. PROCAFÉ estimates that this project would enroll thousands of coffee farmers in PR (where the vast majority of producers are underserved).
Lead Partner: Cooperative League of the United States of America
Other Major Partners: Productores de Café de Puerto Rico*, University of Puerto Rico*, National Co+op Grocers, Fondo de Inversión y Desarrollo Cooperativo, La Liga de Cooperativas de Puerto Rico*, Puerto Rico Farmers Association, SustainCERT*
Primary States Expected: PR
Major Commodities: Coffee, Citrus, Plantains, Bananas, Cacao, Lumber
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000SmartAgGro Pilot Program Provides Technical and Builds Partnership Markets to America’s Climate-Smart Farmers, Ranchers, & Forest Owners to Strengthen U.S. Rural and Agricultural Communities
This project will implement a scalable climate-smart marketing strategy to assist underserved farmers in Mississippi Congressional District 2 to adopt climate-smart practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in production of beef and other products. This project aims to apply cover crops, low till/no till, nutrient management, buffers, feed management, grazing plans and manure management. The project plans to provide marketing training to participating farmers to help them develop marketing strategies and retrain higher farm-to-consumer margins by identifying both wholesale and retail markets and effective promotion and advertising. Partners plan to work with Historical Black Colleges and Universities to reach their networks of underserved growers. This project intends to utilize a Teralytic FMS probe equipped to collect farm management practice data and help reduce uncertainty in modeling greenhouse gas emissions from the field and potential carbon sequestration and streamline the verification process for premium carbon credits which may be traded on a marketplace and serve as an additional source of income for producers. The probe would be used to support the monitoring and modeling for soil organic carbon (SOC) percentage and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, opening the door to use this technology in support of carbon and ecosystem services markets. The project plans to train farmers how to recognize when strong demand exists; how to develop strategies to supply products or services to meet that demand; and how to enter the local market on a small scale and retain higher farm-to-consumer margins by identifying both wholesale and retail markets, building relationships with buyers, packaging, and labeling products properly, negotiating and delivering products to buyers in compliance with the opportunity and marketing contract, meeting market specifications, possessing logistics and transportation, securing decent prices, and effective promotion and advertising. The Smart-Way Incentive Program (SWIP) is the innovative Financial Assistance Plan for Team Vanguard. SWIP prioritizes support to small and underserved farmers by ensuring access to fair and equitable funding. Team Vanguard is partnering with Historical Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and their networks of undeserved growers to deploy a soil analytic technology (Teralytic farm management system (FMS) on farms in Mississippi.
Lead Partner: Vanguard (OTE) Consortium
Other Major Partners: Alcorn State University*,**, Jackson State University, Rust College, Mississippi Valley State University*, Cindy Ayers, Amerimac Chemical Corp*, Enviro-Remediation Educational Services*, Heifer International*, Dr. David Powell*
Primary States Expected: MS
Major Commodities: Beef, Soybeans, Corn, Forage, Pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000Industrial Hemp for Fiber and Grain (Finalized)
This project aims to expand climate-smart markets and remedy lack of available data on environmentally beneficial practices for hemp production by providing open-accessible data and training and enabling monetization of climate-smart practices through a pilot designation in a digital marketplace. Additionally, this project develops an inclusive workforce that specializes in implementation of climate-smart practices by engaging underserved producers and financially supporting them as they learn these practices. Project plans to provide participating underserved producers an incentive payment, technical assistance, marketing assistance, and the revenue from the climate-smart hemp produced. Planned practices include cover crops and nutrient management.
Lead Partner: Iconoclast Industries, LLC
Other Major Partners: Cedar Meadow Farm LLC, University of Florida, Stockton University, Florida Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, SB Friedman Development Advisors, M4MM, Canndigenous, EntreVation LLC, Legacy Farms Group, Delta Agriculture, Auredia, Validere, Bravo Logistics, Highway Vodka
Available States: CO, FL, NE, NY, OK, PA, TX, VA, WI
Major Commodities: Hemp
Agreement Amount: $15,000,000Fischer Farms Ultimate Beef Strategy
This project aims to generate knowledge of carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions for the Fischer Farms beef production system, to inform future business decisions, and to generate science- based marketing tools that will enable buyers to actively participate in climate-positive purchasing and eating decisions. The project will include livestock producers, and it will support Fischer Farms’ market expansion into other areas. The project will utlilize Dual Comb Laser Technology for measuring all greenhouse gas benefits. Rigorous sampling, first-of-a-kind monitoring, and innovative analysis will lead to a new science-based understanding of the potential to deliver beef to the market that is truly a climate-smart commodity. This novel laser technology is planned to measure methane and other greenhouse gases at both the barn lots and pasture settings at Fischer Farms network farms. This approach will provide detailed measurements of beef cattle GHG emissions on pasture and allow for the quantification of the impacts of algae feed supplement on reducing methane emissions with the Ultimate Beef production system. The research plan entails 1) relevant data collection and analysis of the Ultimate Beef system, 2) implementation of USDA’s COMET-Farm and IFSM modeling tools, and 3) development of an ISO-compliant Life Cycle Assessment to calculate the GWP benefits of Ultimate Beef relative to the conventional US system. A marketing manager and sales team will develop and execute the Climate-Smart marketing campaign with a goal of educating consumers on the impact of climate-smart meet and their purchasing decisions. They will leverage on-line platforms, and print advertising as well as partner with whole-sale buyers. Project activities will involve expansion of marketing in Indiana, Cincinnati, OH, and Louisville, KY. With an existing network of more than 100 diversified, small, veteran, beginning, BIPOC and other underserved producers committed to the brand, Fischer Farms Ultimate Beef ensures fair pay and equitable representation for farmers and workers in the value chain. Additionally, the project will provide a critical opportunity for market access to a network of small and underserved farmers who would otherwise be challenged to verify and enter climate-smart market channels. Special emphasis will be placed on expanding the network of farmers in underserved areas.
Lead Partner: Fischer Farms Natural Foods, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Indiana University*, Carbon Solutions*
Primary States Expected: IN, KY
Major Commodities: Beef, Pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale
This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and expanding climate-smart markets and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC
Other Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Primary States Expected: Nationwide
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Developing Climate-Smart Grain Markets in the Mid-South through Diverse Partnerships and a Farming-Systems Approach to Practice Integration to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
This project seeks to demonstrate the viability of growing climate-smart (CS) grains that are sold to poultry feed operations. This project will develop a pilot program for grain producers to utilize multiple climate-smart practices to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. The pilot program includes a monitoring /verification system, local climate-smart market opportunity for direct sale, and tracking CS grain to broiler operations. Soil sampling and GHG emissions monitoring is planned to be conducted on a subset of the incentivized acres and the data will be utilized to refine a generalized regional scale model of estimated suitability for climate smart systems and prediction of benefits. Verified GHG emissions reports and ownership of verified emission reductions is planned to be directly provided to producers as the owners. The project plans to establish a direct market for sale of climate-smart grains through partnerships with local poultry industries who source grain as a key feed ingredient. Historically underserved producers are planned to receive a 15% higher payment to incentivize climate smart practice implementation. The project plans for 50% of annual producer enrollment and incentive payments to be directed to minority or underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Mississippi State University**
Other Major Partners: Southern Ag Services, Inc.*, University of Arkansas*.**, Conservation Solutions LLC*, Alcorn State University*,**
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, LA, MS
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Poultry
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Sonoma Marin Ag and County Climate Coalition
This project will build on successful carbon farming and local/regional food systems partnerships across two counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. The purpose is to expand climate-smart markets, including a regional supply chain and innovative marketing campaign for climate-smart agricultural products. This will create a scalable, regional carbon finance program that is sustainable and scale implementation for the long term. The project plans to provide at least 75 percent of project costs for participants, with a special round of funding for underserved and small-scale producers. The planned marketing strategy includes producer stories, interactive marketing campaign, climate-smart badge and educational farm tours.
Lead Partner: County of Sonoma
Other Major Partners: Agricultural Institute of Marin, Marin Resource Conservation District, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District, Sonoma Resource Conservation District, Carbon Cycle Institute, Sonoma County Department of Agriculture, Sonoma County Regional Climate, Protection Authority Marin Agricultural Land Trust, UC Cooperative Extension Marin, UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma, MarinCAN, Marin County Sustainability Team, Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Marin County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measure, Marin County Cooperation Team, Sanzuma, and LookInto
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Grapes, Fruit Trees, Vegetables, Beef, Dairy, Fiber, Aquaculture, Nursery stock, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000AGriCapture Climate-Friendly Rice
This project will benefit climate-smart farmers in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, and California while expanding climate-smart rice markets and guaranteeing a supply of climate-smart rice to customers. All farms will be certified under the ACFRS. This project plans direct incentive payment to producers for climate-smart practice implementation and identity preserved storage and potential crop premiums for producers who develop their own processing capabilities and markets. Planned practices include: alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigated rice, reduced burning of rice stubble, early incorporation of rice stubble into the soil, and various techniques for improving nitrogen fertilizer efficiency.
Lead Partner: AgriCapture, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Univ. of MO, Cedar Woods Consulting, Agri Process Innovation, Regrow, Deveron, Dainty Foods, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Blue Apron, McKaskle Family Farm, Arknsas River Rice Mill, Anheuser-Busch, Rerout Marketing
Primary States Expected: AR, CA, LA, MS, MO, TX
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,500,000Sustainable Market Approaches for Regenerating Territories with Agricultural Goods in Puerto Rico
The project will support and empower smallholder coffee farmers in Puerto Rico to transition to climate- smart agriculture and forestry practices through identification of viable practices and support for their implementation on farms. The project will also account of greenhouse gas-related benefits and co- benefits throughout the supply chain and develop of a unique Puerto Rican branded climate-smart coffee label and voluntary program. This project plans to focus on implementing agroforestry and afforestration practices on working lands, application of biochar as a soil amendment and multi-story cropping. Caribbean Regenerative Community Development(CRCD), Gnarly Tree Sustainable Institute (GTSI), and University of Wisconsin plan to co-establish the MMRV plan and local monitoring teams, coordinate baseline and follow-up data collection, build databases useful for the implementation of COMET-Planner and iTree on agricultural lands in PR, and engage with local universities to support student research opportunities and data collection; this task would encompass field monitoring, primarily through soil sampling and testing, as well as the development of lifecycle carbon accounting methodologies. The team also plans to evaluate MMRV methodologies that may support participants’ entry into carbon markets. CRCD and GTSI plan to partner to develop a climate-smart certification brand for Puerto Rican coffee and chocolate. CRCD’s marketing specialist plan to spearhead the development of the name and tagline, design a climate-smart certification that is in line with or exceeds third party certification standards, develop the brand story, provide product validation of the name, language, and design in both Spanish and English, create a brand website and social media starter kit, and launch a brand activation program to generate interest and excitement in PR’s premium quality, ethical, and sustainable coffee; GTSI and CRCD plan to ensure the climate-smart certification is in line with or exceeds third party certification standards and lead outreach and recruitment efforts with farmers. A woman-led 501(c)(3) non-profit founded and based in Puerto Rico that supports the development of sustainable agriculture and food security on the island plans to focus on small and underserved coffee producers in Puerto Rico.
Lead Partner: Caribbean Regenerative Community Development, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Gnarly Tree Sustainability Institute*,**, University of Wisconsin*, Cafiesencia (Cafi-Cultura Puertorriqueña, Inc)*,**, University of Puerto Rico
Primary States Expected: PR
Major Commodities: Coffee, Cacao
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,500,000Demonstration, Expansion, and Quantification of the Benefits of a Climate-Smart Commodity: Verified Regenerative Bison Products
The project will develop a demonstration program on tribal lands, implementing and expanding multiple climate-smart markets and practices in production of American bison, and will showcase the benefits of regenerative bison production to rangeland, ranchers, and climate. It will also create a new entity to maintain standards of regenerative bison production, track climate benefits and payment for those benefits through the supply chain, and establish consumer trust. This project plans to support planting riparian areas, transitioning from crop land to native grass for bison grazing and native grass inter-seeding of existing pasture. A bison markets specialist plans to focus on a full “hoof to horn” utilization to sell multiple products including specialty cuts, ground bison, hides and bone meal. A bison-specific verification program is planned to provide the basis for market differentiation and added value.
Lead Partner: Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
Other Major Partners: Frasier Bison LLC, the Earthshot Institute, Mad Agriculture, Eastern Shoshone Tribal Buffalo Program, Intertribal Buffalo Council
Primary States Expected: Tribal, Oklahoma
Major Commodities: Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,000,000Reducing GHG Emissions and Improving Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential through High- Carbon Soil Amendment
This pilot project will support expansion of climate-smart markets and implementation of climate-smart practices to augment conservation Best Management Practices and generate reference data to support development of regionally optimized ecosystem services models. The geographic focus of this project (CO, NE, WY, MT) has naturally low basal soil organic carbon, which means greater sequestration potential.
Lead Partner: The Western Sugar Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Crow Tribe, University of Nebraska, Panhandle Research and Extension Center; Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion, University of Wyoming; Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center; Colorado State University
Primary States Expected: CO, MT, NE, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $6,000,000Scaling Up the Industrial Hemp Supply Chain as Carbon Negative Feedstock for Fuel and Fiber
This project will help with commercializing and marketing climate-smart hemp crops while driving soil carbon sequestration and climate resilience. The project aims to provide effective valuation and monetization of environmental services, including carbon dioxide removal via implementation of new genetics and management practices to increase sustainability of hemp as an annual crop in the U.S. The project plans to support small-scale, minority and other underserved farmers by paying producer license fees, incentives and seed costs. Partners are planning Climate-Smart marketing and technical feasibility studies. Leaf and soil samples will be collected from farm sites. The project plans to use data collection to verify satisfactory model performance of various computer simulation models used to manage natural resources [e.g., COMET-Farm, DayCent, The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and The Agricultural Policy / Environmental eXtender (APEX)]. Marketing feasibility studies and technical feasibility studies are planned to be conducted during the Climate Smart grant study to determine the scale and location of the plants.The project plans to pre-contract and identity preserve crops. The project plans to support small and minority and underrepresented farmers by paying producer license fees, incentives and seed costs.
Lead Partner: Lincoln University
Other Major Partners: National Hemp Association, Kansas Farmers Union, Missouri Farmers Union*, Missouri Organic Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People*, Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Oklahoma Farmers Union, ShowMe State Hemp Association, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Donald Danforth Plant Science Research Center*, Oklahoma State University*, Prairie View A&M Univ.*, St. Louis Univ.*, Southeast Missouri State Univ., Univ. of Missouri*, Benchmark Design, Cquester Analytics, DTE Materials, HempWood, Midwest Natural Fiber*, New West Genetics*, REA Resource Recovery Systems, Rockwater, Renaissance Fiber, The GIC Group*
Primary States Expected: MO (and CO, OK, TX for test plots only)
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $5,000,000
- Second Funding Pool Project Summaries
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On December 12, 2022, USDA announced its investment of $325 million in 71 projects under the second funding pool of Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. The second funding pool was particularly focused on innovative projects that emphasize enrolling small and underserved producers and invest in measuring, monitoring, reporting and verifying the benefits of climate-smart practices at minority-serving institutions. The total investment from both funding pools to over $3.1 billion for 141 selected projects. View round two projects below; view round one and two projects here.
Piloting Agroforestry in the Adirondack North Country: Producing Climate-Smart Commodities and Promoting Carbon SequestrationThis project plans to focus primarily on women-owned businesses and farming operations and develop a regional Adirondack climate-smart brand for marketing commodities as part of these systems. The project plans to support and monitor the climate benefits of three agroforestry practices: riparian buffers, cropland reforestation and silvopasture. Producers would receive technical assistance including tailored agroforestry plans and practice inputs such as tree seedling and shelters.
Lead Partner: Adirondack North Country Association
Other Major Partners: Interlace Agroforestry LLC, Mace Chasm Farm, North Country Creamery, Wild Work Farm, Sugar House Creamery, Barred Owl Brook Farm, Ananta Farm, Blue Pepper Farm, Fledging Crow Vegetables
Primary States Expected: NY
Major Commodities: Timber, Dairy, Sheep, Nuts and Berries
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $560,000A Multi-Faceted Approach to Incentivizing Woody Perennial Growers to Establish Cover Crops in Orchards in Four Diverse Regions of the United States
Through this project, producers with orchards would receive financial incentives and technical assistance to incorporate cover crops into their operations. Project partners plan to help market these climate-smart fruits and nuts in areas that typically have less access to fresh food. About one-third of the project participants would be smaller-sized operations and partners plan to work to include minority owned orchards.
Lead Partner: Agoro Carbon Alliance US, Inc
Other Major Partners: Agoro Carbon Alliance, California Walnut Board and Commission, GO Seed, Padilla, FoodMinds
Primary States Expected: CA, WA, OR, MI, FL
Major Commodities: Fruits and Nuts
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,800,000Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute , Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Primary States Expected: CA, IN, TX, MT and Nationwide
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Improving Forest Carbon Sequestration and Storage by Establishing Supply Chains for Low-Quality Wood Material and Incentivizing Sustainable Forestry Practices
This project pilots an incentives program to advance sustainable climate-smart forest management and create additional low-quality climate-smart wood market supply chains. Nearly every participant would be small scale or underserved, who would receive direct payments for retaining larger and higher quality trees. The project's partners would market the resulting climate-smart commodities, leveraging their well-established working relationships with buyers who require the low-quality wood material.
Lead Partner: AMRO United Corporation
Other Major Partners: LBS Ecological, Green Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services, Future Forest Management, Craver Logging, Welch Logging, Sawtooth Forestry
Primary States Expected: NY, VT, NJ, MA, CT, PA
Major Commodities: Wood products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,800,000Climate-SMART (Specific Management for Arizona Resilience and Transformation) Agriculture Best Management Practices
Participants in this Arizona-based project would be paid to apply climate-smart practices that reduce pesticide and fertilizer inputs; reduce tillage, use diverse cover crop, rest pastures and use rotational grazing. The project would emphasize cross cultural knowledge sharing between Native American producers and other participants and would market climate-smart commodities through partnership networks.
Lead Partner: Arizona Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance, Arizona State University Kyl Center for Water Policy, ASU Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, ASU School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, ASU Global Institute of Sustainability, University of Arizona; Local First Arizona, Duncan Family Farms, Pinnacle Prevention, Soil Health Institute, Northern Arizona University, Organic Trade Association
Primary States Expected: Tribal; Arizona
Major Commodities: Specialty crops, organic crops and livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000Developing Climate-Smart Agriculture and Markets Amongst Socially-Disadvantaged, Limited-Resource, and Urban Farmers in Ohio and Michigan
This project would combine monitoring, outreach, and technical support to foster the adoption of climate-smart practices by minority vegetable and beef cattle farmers socially disadvantaged and limited resource farmers of Ohio and southern Michigan. It also creates synergy between climate-smart feedlot operations and socially disadvantaged farmers. Project partners plan to recruit minority vegetable and beef cattle farmers and selected Central State University students who would receive additional training on climate-smart agriculture. Small-scale and urban vegetable farmers enrolled in this project would receive funds to cover part of their operating costs.
Lead Partner: Central State University
Other Major Partners: Ohio State University, A & B Porteus, Southeast Michigan Producers Association (SEMPA), Wilmington College
Primary States Expected: OH, MI
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000Climate-Smart Commodities and Market Development within the Chickasaw Nation: Restoring Power to Small Farmers and Communities Through Pecan and Specialty Crop Engagement
Participating farmers would receive incentives for climate-smart practices, including reducing chemical applications on pecan trees and conversion of pastures to multiple species of native grasses. Through this project, the Chickasaw Nation plans to work with native pecan aggregators to divide verified climate-smart native pecans from non-verified native pecans. These pecans would be sourced to sale for any industry interested in climate-smart pecans and to local consumers.
Lead Partner: Chickasaw Nation
Other Major Partners: Murray State College, Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association, Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Primary States Expected: Tribal, OK
Major Commodities: Pecans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,977,000Launching The North Valley Food Hub for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project plans to work collaboratively with regional small and historically underserved producers to launch the North Valley Food Hub for Climate-Smart Agriculture. The Hub plans to provide farm-to-fork integration through marketing and sales support for project climate-smart commodities by consolidating transaction costs, creating a one-stop shopping platform for buyers and a marketplace for growers to post and promote their products. The project plans to support producers in implementing a variety of climate-smart cover crops; no-till or minimum-till practices; nutrient management; enhanced efficiency fertilizers; planting for high carbon sequestration rates; and soil amendments. An incentive payment is planned to be offered for each producer implementing an advanced practice.
Lead Partner: Chico State Enterprises
Other Major Partners: Butte County Farm Bureau; North State Hulling Cooperative, Douglass Ranch; GRUB Farms; Chico State Organic Vegetable Project, Chico State Basic Needs Hungry Wildcat Pantry
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Almonds, walnuts, rice, tomatoes, peaches, prunes
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,800Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Primary States Expected: IA, MN, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, WI, VT, VA, SD, ND, NY, NJ
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000Building Profitability for Underserved Producers with a Pipeline of Land Access, Regenerative Agriculture, and Market Development
This project aims to provide resettled refugees access to low- or no-cost land and technical assistance to create scalable and profitable agricultural small businesses through the creation of demand for commodities produced using climate-smart practices. Project plans for farmers to use cover crops, buffer strips, improved wetlands, and other climate-smart practices. These producers would also receive technical assistance and engagement, translation assistance for non-English speakers, modeling of climate-smart practices, financial resources, and market access through partner organizations.
Lead Partner: Dalla Terra Ranch Foundation
Other Major Partners: In Harmony Farm, Lutheran Services of Iowa Global Greens, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Small Farm Land Access Program, Iowa State University Agronomy Department, Iowa International Center, CultivateAI, Fareway Food Stores, Food Bank of Iowa, and Des Moines Area Religious Council
Primary States Expected: IA
Major Commodities: fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $271,200Improving Access to Grazing Resources for Native American Farmers and Ranchers
Native American farmers and ranchers would receive technical assistance and education, and at least $1 million in direct payments to support the adoption of climate-smart practices like rotational grazing and planting of native grasses. Partners plan to assist participants with validating greenhouse gas emission reductions and marketing climate-smart commodities, including creating marketable emission offsets or credits.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal Agricultural Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farm Journal Foundation, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, and the Yield Lab Institute
Primary States Expected: Tribal, FL, MT, OK
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,925,000Production and Application of Biochar in Agricultural Practices at Small and Underserved Farms: Soil Enhancement, Carbon Sequestration, and promoting Climate-Smart Commodities
This project, led by minority serving university Florida A&M, plans to develop biochar-based climate-smart practices and technologies that may be implemented on farms, especially on underserved farms, and to market the resulting climate-smart commodities. In addition to free training and consulting, the producers are planned to receive a financial stimulus per acre of farmland used to implement climate-smart practices using biochar such as soil amendment, water infiltration and manure composting. Partner institutes and companies plan to contract with the landowners and producers to purchase some of the resulting commodities for research, product development, and food manufacturing purposes.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of California, Davis; Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability, Current foods, Florida Food Products, LLC., New North Florida Cooperative, California Almond Board, International Fresh Produce Association
Primary States Expected: PA, VA, MA, SC, GA, FL, AL, CA, OR
Major Commodities: Legumes, leafy green vegetables, hemp, citrus
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,855,000A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Impact of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa) and Soil Microalgae Consortium (Chlorella spp and Scenedesmus spp) as High-Efficiency Carbon Sequestration Model Plants: Implications for Climate Change and Soil Improvement
Industrial hemp for fiber would be cultivated and marketed in the southeastern United States as a high efficiency carbon sequestration and a climate-smart commodity crop. The project plans to provide financial assistance to small and/or underserved farmers to implement Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. The National Hemp Growers Cooperative, LLC (NHGC) would engage industry partners to create markets for processing industrial hemp into several climate-smart commodities. While developing markets for farmers, the NHGC plan to buy all industrial hemp from all farmers during the duration the grant.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Alabama A&M University, Southern University, University of Florida (UF-IFAS)
Primary States Expected: AL, FL, LA
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,990,000BEACON Pilot: Farmers Guiding Farmers Towards Climate Smart Agriculture
This project plans to advance equity by minimizing transaction costs and addressing cultural dynamics for Black and indigenous producers by using a farmer-to-farmer collaborative training approach. Farmers would define culturally appropriate product labels, and partners would work to increase market access, specifically through marketing the value-add of using climate-smart practices like cover crops, no-till, tree planting and prescribed grazing.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, the Tallahassee Food Network, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Organic Farmers Association, Women Food and Agriculture Network, the Earth’s Garden Network
Primary States Expected: GA, FL, AL, AR, OK, TX
Major Commodities: Specialty and organic crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000Foodshed Small Farm Distro and Resource Hub Climate-Smart Incentive Pilot
The Climate-Smart Incentive Pilot would generate economic opportunities and provide direct incentives to small and socially disadvantaged specialty crop farmers in San Diego County for improving soil health through compost application, reduced tillage and tree/shrub establishment and quantifying GHG reductions. Project partners plan to address equity by reducing barriers caused by language, and limited access to equipment and information.
Lead Partner: Foodshed, Inc
Other Major Partners: Community Health Improvement Partners' Farm to Institution Center, County of San Diego Department of Health, Southern California Resource Conservation District, Zero Foodprint, Johnny's Selected Seeds, and San Diego Food System Alliance
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Fruit, vegetables and specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Preparing Wisconsin’s Farmers for a Climate-Smart Market
This project would advance climate-smart commodity market development by providing direct financial and technical assistance and incentives to support for implementation of climate-smart production. Minority underserved farmers who manage microfarms focused on selling products direct to consumer, through local farm to table restaurants or farmers market can develop a niche climate-smart milk market for selling healthier, higher quality milk at a premium.
Lead Partner: Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Inc
Other Major Partners: Wisconsin Farmers Union, Pheasants Forever, Outagamie County Land Conservation, Land Cares, Brickstead Dairy, LLC, Deer Run Dairy, LLC, Seven Oaks, LLC
Primary States Expected: WI
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,994,000Reviving the Chestnut: The Climate-Smart Crop
Participants, including underserved and minority farmers, would be reimbursed for costs associated with establishing and initially maintaining carbon smart chestnut orchards. The project partners would promote the carbon reduction practices implemented through this project and market the specially-branded chestnuts produced by members as a premium “Climate-Smart” food that can reduce consumers’ impact on climate change.
Lead Partner: Georgia Alabama Land Trust
Other Major Partners: The University of Georgia Cooperative Agricultural Extension, Carbon Farmer LLC, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (HBCU), Pippin Farms, Ray Griffin, Willie Jones, Southern Farmers Collaborative Group
Primary States Expected: GA
Major Commodities: Chestnuts
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,980,000Cover Crop Seed Production Grown with Climate-Smart Wheat
In partnership with Tribal leaders from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, this project would provide financial and technical support to Tribal farmers to grow cover crop seed into wheat fallow systems with adequate precipitation. GO Seed plans to purchase the climate-smart cover crop seed from participating farmers and sell it to distributors removing a financial barrier to producers that would otherwise reduce participation in growing cover crop seed. Markets would be cultivated and expanded through existing relationships with millers and exporters. All wheat marketed would have a “Climate-Smart Wheat” seal on the purchasing paperwork.
Lead Partner: Grassland Oregon
Other Major Partners: Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR); Intertribal Agriculture Council; Northwest Grain Growers; Agoro Carbon Alliance; Ace Connect LLC; Soil Health Institute; Oregon Wheat Commission, OR Wheat Grower’s League; Oregon Climate and Agriculture Network; Shoshone-Bannock Agri-Business Corp
Primary States Expected: ID, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Wheat; cover crop seed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,722,000Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers
All pilot participants would be paid a stipend to cover time spent on climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design. Each farm would also have access to incentive payments, dependent on their emissions reductions and specific implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. A Greener World plans to provide customized marketing support to all project producers. Partners would ensure all outreach and technical assistance efforts are culturally-relevant and would assist producers in becoming Certified Regenerative which allows them to access new climate-smart markets and sell commodities for a higher premium.
Lead Partner: Greener World
Other Major Partners: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, Sub-contractor/Evaluation Partner, Soil Health Institute (SHI), National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), National Co-op Grocers (NCG) Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA)
Primary States Expected: AR, GA, MO, MS, NC, SC, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Beef, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,000,000Climate-Smart Organic Egg Project
This project would work with underserved, Amish and Mennonite producers to expand organic pasture-raised egg farming, inspire and educate consumers, and grow the demand for and expand the market for climate-smart egg products. Regenerative practices include manure and nutrient management, pasture enhancements, tree and shrub establishment and cover crops. Handsome Brook Farms plans to work with partners and retailers to develop labeling and sales opportunities to promote climate-smart organic pasture-raised eggs, a new climate-smart U.S. niche market.
Lead Partner: Handsome Brook Farms, LLC
Other Major Partners: Handsome Brook Farms, Costco Inc, Organic Voices, Grow Well Consulting, Curva and Associates LLC, University of Kentucky, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, NY Stern Center for sustainable business, Robinia Institute, Love Just Works LLC
Primary States Expected: OH, KY
Major Commodities: Poultry (Eggs)
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,600,000Recognizing the Role of Buffalo Production as a Climate-Smart Commodity
Partners plan to distribute project funding to 76 Tribes to incentivize their use of climate-smart practices related to buffalo herds. The Tribal Buffalo Market Initiative (TBMI) plans to assist Tribes in marketing their buffalo as a climate-smart commodity, develop sustainable programs for historically underserved Tribal buffalo producers and create a Tribally led national strategy for education and outreach of buffalo as a climate-smart agricultural product.
Lead Partner: InterTribal Buffalo Council
Other Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center
Primary States Expected: Tribal
Major Commodities: Buffalo
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,950,000Iowa Tribe Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA) Innovation Pilot Program
The Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture Pilot Program plans to educate Native American participants on climate-smart practices, provide long lasting benefits to soil and water health through climate-smart practices, and expand markets for climate-smart commodities. The CERNA Project plans to provide each producer annual incentives and premium payments and a one-time financial assistance payment for the necessary education and training needed to implement climate-smart practices. Additionally, CERNA plans to directly support farmers by purchasing 100 percent of all eligible climate-smart commodities produced under this project, which would hold the “Regenified” label under premium contracts.
Lead Partner: Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Other Major Partners: Terramera, Regenified, Understanding Ag, Soil Health Academy, John Deere Director of Emerging Technology, Taste Profit Marketing, Oatly, Cooks Ventures, Global Processing, Bratney, Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri, Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Grey Snow Management Solutions, The Akana Group, The Intertribal Ag Council
Primary States Expected: IA, KS, NE, IN, IL, MO, OK
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,700Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.)
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Primary States Expected: ND, SD, NE, KS, MO, IA, MN, WI, IL, IN, MI, OH, TN, KY
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000Growing the Impossible: Climate Smart Commodities in Tribal Homelands
This project plans to provide technical assistance, training, financial incentives and business planning and marketing support for climate-smart commodities produced on tribal homelands. This project plans to support climate-smart practices, including adaptive multi-paddock higher intensity rotational grazing which lead to increased soil organic carbon storage. The work is planned toalign with holistic Blackfeet-specific regenerative grazing strategies in direct partnership with Tribal land managers and individual producers.
Lead Partner: Piikani Lodge Health Institute (PLHI)
Other Major Partners: Piikani Lodge Health Institute, Blackfeet Community College, Blackfeet Environmental Office, Montana State University, Soils Lab, Montana State University, Buffalo Nations Food Systems Initiative, Montana State University, Native Lands Project, Animo Partnership in Natural Resources LLC, Montana Audubon, Western Sustainability Exchange, SciGaia, Crystal Springs and Flower Hill Institute, Chris Roper Services and Flower Hill Institute, Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative
Primary States Expected: Tribal, MT
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000Urban Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Farm Initiative
The Urban Ag Climate Smart Commodities Farm Initiative intends to reach underserved, socially disadvantaged, primarily African American producers and provide financial incentives to Urban Ag Groups and Farmers to encourage participation in the program. This five-state pilot program would work with small and/or underserved producers to increase the supply and demand for Climate-Smart Commodities in rural and urban markets. The project would assist with purchasing items producers may need to set up climate-smart retail operations. Participants would also receive an UrbanAg Climate-Smart Commodities Marketing Toolkit and access to marketing bootcamps teaching farmers and partnering Urban Ag groups how to market climate-smart commodities to potential consumers. Participants would complete a survey at the beginning of the program to access their awareness and/or knowledge of Climate-Smart Agriculture, their willingness to adopt the practices and to determine what they might need to be successful.
Lead Partner: MCL JASCO, INC
Other Major Partners: Alabama A&M University, Alcorn University, Auburn University, Fort Valley State University, Jackson State University, Michigan State University, National Association of Women in Agriculture, Tuskegee University, University of Georgia, Washtenaw County Community College, Wayne County Community College
Primary States Expected: MI, AL, LA, MS, SC
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,600The Michigan Climate Smart Farm Project
This project plans to provide financial assistance to small scale and underserved producers as they transition to climate-smart commodity production using practices like cover crops, residue and tillage management, pasture/silvo-pasture establishment, feed management, forest stand improvement, wetland restoration and combustion system improvements. Producers are planned to receive a regenerative premium through selling climate-smart products in direct-to-market opportunities like farmers markets.
Lead Partner: Michigan Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Washtenaw County Conservation District; University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability; Michigan Department of Agriculture- Environmental Stewardship Division; Carbon Yield; Washtenaw County; The Soil Inventory Project; Monroe Conservation District; Lenawee Conservation District; Keep Growing Detroit; Wayne County Conservation District; Taste the Local Difference (TLD); Water Words that Work (WWTW)
Primary States Expected: MI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,720,000Biochar for Climate-Smart Farms in Missouri
This project would provide direct on-farm assistance and support to convert on-farm ag-waste into biochar, a soil amendment, for Missouri farms and measure and market the resulting climate-smart commodities. The Missouri Organic Association (MOA) plans to launch a pilot program to provide Missouri’s underserved farming community with access to the knowledge, machinery, and support needed to turn their on-farm waste into usable climate-smart farm inputs. MOA and partners would conduct a multi-pronged program to develop and expand markets for climate-smart commodities produced by participating farmers and producers. In turn, the marketing development team wouldprovide comprehensive and well-balanced coverage of marketing specialties.
Lead Partner: Missouri Organic Association
Other Major Partners: Missouri State University, Lincoln University, Five Star Family Farms Inc., Seidel Research and Development Company LLC, and Green Tribes Consulting LLC
Primary States Expected: MO
Major Commodities: Corn, soy and other organic and specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,935,000Building Whole-Farm Designs and Market Infrastructure to Provide Premiums for Climate-Smart Farming among Mid-Sized Agricultural Enterprises in the Ohio River Valley
This project plans to model and develop whole-farm carbon sequestration systems geared towards mid-sized polyculture farms that produce crops and beef. Farmers would receive a sign-up incentive, free technical assistance, and cost-share to implement climate-smart practices. Partners would include African-American food system organizers who would ensure engagement with minority, unrepresented, and socially disadvantaged growers. Partners would offer a Climate-Smart Beef product line to current retail and wholesale customers and provide avenues for grain producers to market and sell their products.
Lead Partner: Mt. Folly Enterprises Inc
Other Major Partners: Mt. Folly Farm, flagship farm, Eastern Kentucky University, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Rich Earth Grains LLC, Riverside Meats, Scott Shouse, Sourwood Forestry Consulting, Ale-8-1 Bottling Company, Skip Johnson, Doug Gurian-Sherman
Primary States Expected: KY, OH, TN
Major Commodities: beef, corn, soy, wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000Innovative Beef Cattle Management in Utah’s Semi-arid Rangelands for Climate-Smart Outcomes and Commodity Market Development
Utah ranchers running small scale operations would receive financial and technical assistance to participate in an innovative grazing pilot project to produce climate-smart beef and establish viable and accessible cattle marketplaces.
Lead Partner: Multiplier
Other Major Partners: Utah Grazing Improvement Program, Three Creeks Grazing, LLC, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Landowners Alliance, Working Lands Conservation
Primary States Expected: UT
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000National Black Growers Council Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program (National Black Growers Council: Black Cotton/peanuts)
In this project, the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) plans to work with historically underserved farmers to test regenerative agricultural practices and determine which are best suited for various regions and farm types in the Southeast United States. Once complete, NBGC plans to scale up participation to include additional farmers a, providing incentives to increase adoption of regenerative agricultural practices and leveraging market data to sell products to corporate partners who need to meet corporate sustainability goals.
Lead Partner: National Black Growers Council
Other Major Partners: Cargill, Bayer, Syngenta
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton, corn, rice, soybeans, sugar cane, peanuts, canola, and grain sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,789,000Building Markets and Resiliency: Addressing Climate and Food Access with Northern NJ Livestock Farmers
This project would offer technical assistance and financial cost-share incentives to livestock producers to implement priority climate-smart practices, with higher cost-shares available to underserved producers. This project would provide increased business opportunities for underserved and small farmers to be competitive in purchasing land in a market dominated by corporate sprawl and development pressure. The plan for developing and expanding markets for climate-smart commodities through this project involves the development of a climate-friendly farm certification, a consumer marketing campaign, and the expansion of equitable food access.
Lead Partner: North Jersey RC&D Area, Inc
Other Major Partners: Foodshed Alliance, NJ Audubon (NJA), CLA Consultants, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)
Primary States Expected: NJ
Major Commodities: Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,574,000Farmer Cooperative-Led, Partnership-Driven Project for Implementing Novel Perennial Cover Crop Species in Specialty Crop Systems and Integrating with Innovative MRV and Carbon Market
In this pilot project, producers would receive cost-share, technical assistance, capital investment and marketing support for using Oakville bluegrass cover crop in their commercial specialty crop operations. In addition to the creation and sale of carbon offsets, Oakville bluegrass plantings would give producers the opportunity to engage in climate-smart insetting, the practice of applying GHG offsets to one’s own supply chain. The project partner would seek further underserved producer membership through co-op director Nav Athwal’s network of over 200 Punjabi American producers.
Lead Partner: Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative, Columbia River Seed, Vitidore, Radix Evergreen, California State University Chico
Primary States Expected: CA, OR, WA, AZ
Major Commodities: Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000The Building Climate Success by Empowering Humans to Care for our Natural Resources
Through this project, tribal and other underserved producers would receive financial assistance for adopting climate-smart practices for livestock and pecan production in Oklahoma. Project partners plan to create tools and partnerships for enrollees to market climate-smart products, including the creation of a climate-smart marketing class session and other resources.
Lead Partner: Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts Incorporated
Other Major Partners: Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD), the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC), the Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project (OBHRPI), the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Conservation District, the Choctaw Nation Conservation District, and the Oklahoma Department of Forestry
Primary States Expected: Tribal, OK
Major Commodities: Pecans, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000Greenhouse Gas Reduction Incentive Program
Using incentives and technical assistance, this project would help farmers adopt climate-smart practices to improve soil health and water quality, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and promote wildlife habitat, connecting climate-smart commodity production with climate adaptation and GHG benefits. The farmers enrolled every year in the project are eligible to receive sufficient and compelling incentive payments for their participation and for verified climate-smart practice implementation. The project plans to draw on Organic Association of Kentucky, Inc. (OAK) and partner networks to engage small farms and underserved farmers. OAK anticipates half of the farms enrolled annually would be underserved farmers, including limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers, and many more would be small farms, operations with gross annual farm income under $250,000.
Lead Partner: Organic Association of Kentucky Inc
Other Major Partners: Aramark, Four Hills Farm, Kentucky Organic Farm and Feed Inc., Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Marksbury Farm Market, The Berry Center, Victory Hemp Foods, Organic Trade Association, The Food Connection at University of Kentucky, Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Kentucky State University, University of Kentucky, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Sustainable Food Alliance, Bullhorn Creative, Station Built
Primary States Expected: KY
Major Commodities: Grass fed lamb; grass fed beef; corn, soybeans and small grains; produce; dairy; agroforestry; hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,407,000Sustainable Agricultural Solutions to Plastic Pollution
Through this project, underserved producers would receive financial and technical assistance for climate-smart practices including cultivation of hemp as a cover crop, and other rotational crop trials. The project plans to evaluate industrial hemp bioplastics, develop software to calculate the environmental impact of a new feedstock and identify climate-smart market opportunities.
Lead Partner: PlantSwitch, Inc
Other Major Partners: Ag Processing Solutions, Brian Furnish, Leistritz Extrusion, Extrusion Technology and Innovation, Plant Based Products Council, SmartFarm Innovation Network, Tillery Sims. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Virginia State University, Virginia Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Primary States Expected: VA
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,940,000The Coalition for Food Security
The Coalition for Food Security (CFS) plans to implement climate-smart practices related to indoor hydroponic vertical farming and optimize environmental climate control management to create a voluntary climate-smart produce marketplace. This would incentivize greenhouse gas reduction practices along the vegetable supply chain through direct partnerships between underserved producers and corporate buyers, enabling small and underserved producers to sell their produce directly to corporations. The CFS plans to design and market a franchise program to incentivize minority landowners and underserved producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices demonstrated at the pilot farm. In addition, CFS would provide internships to HBCU students to participate in our project and other franchise programs for graduating students to start agricultural businesses.
Lead Partner: Ponix, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Ponix, FoodChain Technologies, GTC 360 LLC, Center for Global Health Innovation, Fort Valley State University, Buds of Little Rose, Ed Farm, Slater Infrastructure
Primary States Expected: GA
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900PVAMU Climate-Smart Farm Planning Program
This project plans to support historically underserved farmers in over 60 Texas counties as they adopt carbon-smart farm plans. This includes listening to the individual needs of farms to incorporate regenerative agriculture practices and provide technical assistance, financial incentives, and ongoing advising to help farmers develop regenerative agriculture practices. This project would also help producers market to down-supply chain purchasing partners that have placed value on regenerative agriculture.
Lead Partner: Prairie View A&M University
Other Major Partners: Prairie View A&M University, 100 Ranchers, Inc., Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers and Ranchers, the Landowners Association of Texas, Workforce Training and Development, Inc., and Cargill, Inc.
Primary States Expected: TX
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,000,000Climate-Smart Sustainability Certificate
The project would create the Climate-Smart Sustainability (CSS) Certificate to quantify the value of existing and newly adopted climate-smart interventions. The development of the CSS Certificate would substantially expand opportunities for climate-smart commodities and small-scale underserved and limited resources farmers. The project team plans to connect with networks, producers, processors, and Agri-Technology companies to help build out the market for climate-smart commodities. The data-backed CSS Certificate would provide a solution to value and document the carbon and environmental co-benefits embedded within purchased grains and other food crops so that buyers of U.S. commodities can certify GHG reductions within their supply chain.
Lead Partner: Prairie View A&M University
Other Major Partners: Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, Michigan Aerospace Corporation
Primary States Expected: TX
Major Commodities: Strawberry, edible soybean, radish and leafy green
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,997,300Prince George’s County Climate-Smart Local Producers Pilot Program
This project plans to pilot, evaluate, and build a Climate-Smart Local Producers Program to address marketing products grown using a variety of climate-smart practices. The project would focus on reducing barriers to practice implementation on existing and new farms. A planned marketing strategy that resonates with County residents, would combine the values of eating local, utilization of on -farm climate smart practices and woman and minority owned farms. The County plans to work with Bowie State University (a Historically Black College and University) to develop monitoring methodology and perform the analysis of greenhouse gas reductions and leverage the measurement and monitoring methodologies developed by the state of Maryland for several sequestration practices and supply chain impacts.
Lead Partner: Prince Georges, County Government
Other Major Partners: Prince George’s County Government Agencies and Entities, including Department of the Environment (DoE), Prince George's Soil Conservation District (PGSCD), Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Prince George’s County Food Equity Council (FEC), Low Impact Development Center, Inc. (LIDC), Bowie State University, University of Maryland Extension
Primary States Expected: MD
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables, Specialty Crops and a Variety of other Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,250,000Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.
Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Primary States Expected: CO, DE, KS, MA, NE, NM, NC, PA, WY, VA and Tribal
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Waste to Plate: Building Circular Economies and Shorter Supply Chains for Livestock Reared on Regenerating Dryland Range with Organic Amendments
Quivira Coalition and partners plans to work with project participants to produce biochar and compost and them on degraded rangeland to enhance ecological function, carbon sequestration, and forage production Each producer would receive a stipend to support their time towards producing, deploying, monitoring, and communicating with technical support providers, host fees to support the workshop, and supplies. This project would provide direct technical support to help producers finish animals on grass, optimize carcasses for their particular customer base, and build the tools, such as an online shopping cart or a social media presence, for region-based marketing.
Lead Partner: Quivira Coalition
Other Major Partners: Reunity Resources, Trollworks, Wilson Biocha, Southwest Grassfed Livestock Alliance, Good Meat Project, Polk’s Folly Farm, Kathryn Bedell, Creighton Robinson, Dixon Water Foundation, Weaver Ranch, Colorado State University, Dixon Water Foundation; Trilogy Beef Community; Roan Creck Ranch
Primary States Expected: AZ, CO, NM, TX, Tribal
Major Commodities: Grassfed beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,536,000Climate-Smart Chicken and Feed: Scaling Climate-Smart Grain and Poultry Commodity Production as a System-Level Climate Solution for the Midwest
This project would support poultry producers who follow diversified regenerative climate-smart grain production methods incorporating small grains, no-till, and cover crops, integrated agroforestry practices. Producers may receive payments to adopt a climate-smart grain rotation for at least three years and for Organic climate-smart chicken production. Producers would receive a premium price for chickens, paid by Tree-Range Farms. Multiple strategic partners including tribal nations, immigrant-serving organizations, and other community partners plan to promote the project with underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Regeneration International/Regenerative Agriculture Alliance
Other Major Partners: Regenerative Agriculture Alliance (RAA); Freshwater Society; Minnesota State University Mankato; Carleton College; Tree-Range® Farms; Makoce Agriculture Development, Oatly, Regenerative Agriculture Solutions, General Mills, Latino Economic Development Center
Primary States Expected: Tribal, MN, WI, IA, IL, SD, OK
Major Commodities: Poultry, small grain, oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900Increasing Farm Resource Efficiency by Utilizing On-Site Post-Production Food Byproducts into Innovative Fertilizers and Climate-Smart Commodities
Project participants would use innovative technology to convert crop residue into two high-value fertilizers for soil, foliar, or hydroponic use, and market resulting climate-smart commodities. Grower economic benefits include: premium pricing for carbon-smart commodities, reduced fertilizer costs, reduced water consumption and related costs, potential reduction in environmental regulatory compliance/fees (where applicable) and expanded marketing opportunities to Re-Nuble or local markets.
Lead Partner: Re-Nuble, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Helianth Partners, IPM Institute, Purple Thumb Farm, Kreher Family Farms, Blake Farms, Uncle Jerry’s Farm
Primary States Expected: NY, KY, MS, MI
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,697,000Regenerative Agriculture and its Potential in Climate-Smart Commodities to Enhance the Sustainability of Underserved and Limited Resources Farmers in South Carolina
The project would use its regional extension centers and county extension agents to recruit small scale, limited resource and underserved farmers in South Carolina interested in adopting and implementing best management practices to grow climate-smart commodities, such as leafy greens and cover crops. The recruited farmers would be incentivized to adopt emission reduction, climate-smart and conservation agricultural practices to maximize soil health, and carbon sequestration. The project would establish local and regionally based small farmer cooperative to market the climate-smart cash crop commodities.
Lead Partner: South Carolina State University
Other Major Partners: Mixon Seed Services, South Carolina Black Farmers Coalition
Primary States Expected: SC
Major Commodities: Peanuts, Leafy Green, Cover Crops (Turnip, Radish, kale, mustard) and other diversified crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,542,600A Climate-Smart Strategy for the Michigan Foodshed: Nourishing Our Land, Farmers, and Rural Communities
The project would focus on beginning and women farmers growing wheat, dry beans, food grade soybeans and oats. Participants can receive payments for inputting and sharing data; increasing their Truterra tool score; receiving Advanced scoring in the Truterra tool; for taking unproductive land out of production and for expanding their food growing operation by piloting food grade oats. Star of the West plans topromote climate-smart commodities with its existing network of wheat, flour, dry bean, food grade soy and oat customers, including processors, customers and restaurants. The project plans to host strategic learning circles, field days, and climate-smart leadership trainings specifically for beginning and women farmers and engage beginning farmers by providing summer internships, working with Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapters, college ag students, and the Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer program.
Lead Partner: Star of the West Milling Company
Other Major Partners: Michigan Agriculture Advancement; Artisan Grain Collaborative; Shiftology Communication; Hasenick Brothers Farm; Kellogg Biological Station Long Term Agroecosystem Research; Midwest GRIT; Van Buren County Conservation District; Wisconsin Women in Conservation; Bavarian Inn Restaurant
Primary States Expected: MI
Major Commodities: Wheat, Dry Beans, Food grade soybean
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,700Climate-Smart Fiber Hemp: A Versatile Thread Connecting the Nation’s Underserved Farmers, Climate Change Mitigation and Novel Market Opportunities
This project would be a collaborative initiative to expand the production of industrial hemp as a climate-smart commodity, evaluate its greenhouse gas benefits (GHG), and promote the value of market development to a cross-section of production agriculture, including small, medium, and underserved producers across the state of Tennessee. Special efforts are planned to identify and recruit underserved producers (e.g. minority producers, women, veterans), as well as farmers from the nine most economically distressed counties in Tennessee and the 30 counties at risk for becoming economically distressed.
Lead Partner: Tennessee State University
Other Major Partners: Tennessee State University, Hemp Alliance of Tennessee, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, The Tennessee New Farmer Academy, based at Tennessee State University
Primary States Expected: TN
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,972,800Permanently Reshaping the National Beef Herd through Grassroots Genetic Selection for Climate- Smart Outcomes
This project seeks to establish a new Climate-Smart Commodity – namely feeder cattle sired by bulls selected on the basis of reduced enteric methane emissions and associated beef products. Enrolled ranchers would be eligible to receive incentives for each purchase of cows and select breeding bulls that produce reduced CH4 emissions and are more feed efficient by consuming less feed. Calves from participating herds would be enrolled in an information management system which tracks the genetic, health, and production data of individual animals as they move through the beef supply chain. This would allow participating ranchers to differentiate their calves on the basis of Climate-Smart outcomes and market those calves to prospective buyers. Partners plan to enroll underserved producers and younger, first-generation beef cattle ranching start-ups to partner, mentor, and support.
Lead Partner: Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Other Major Partners: Texas A&M - Kingsville, Leachman Cattle of Colorado, Brahman Country Genetics and Brahman Country Beef, Zoetis
Primary States Expected: Nationwide
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,730,000Establishing Climate-Smart Commodities with Reduced Greenhouse Gas Footprints to Enhance Environmental and Economic Sustainability in the Texas High Plains
The goals of this project are to quantify benefits from these climate-smart commodities on a variety of producer field sites, estimate GHG footprint across the supply chain using COMET (carbon management evaluation tool), develop a framework to demonstrate socio-economic and environmental sustainability in the Texas High Plains and support a market for sustainably produced climate-smart cotton. Multiple producers representing 10 Texas counties have been identified within the categories of Hispanic, veteran, women, beginning farmers, and early adopters.
Lead Partner: Texas Tech University System
Other Major Partners: National Cotton Council, National Sorghum Producers, Texas Alliance for Water Conservation (TAWC) advisory board, No-Till Texas, Field to Market, Texas Sorghum Association, Groguru, Agri-Search
Primary States Expected: TX
Major Commodities: Cotton, Sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,945,500Expanding Opportunities for Evidence-Based, Climate-Smart Grassfed Beef by Enhancing Income Streams through Retail Food Channels and Carbon Markets for a Producer Network Spanning the Rockies to NE US
This project aims to expand the climate-smart regenerative grassfed beef market with market incentives for producers to address the regenerative cost differential, product promotion activities to increase demand at the higher premium-price, and participation in a carbon-credit project to pay producers for carbon sequestration ecosystem services. The project would employ a model-based approach to capture the soil carbon dynamics of grazing practices, which requires calibration with locality-specific measurements of precipitation, temperature, soil, vegetation, etc. for statistical validity and high confidence level. The project plans to develop a simple, low-cost program for measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV) that farmers can easily and inexpensively administer to quantify management impacts on soil and biomass C stocks and GHG emissions for grazing land systems and climate-smart beef, employing on-the-ground measurement of soil carbon stocks, producer-sourced management information, and process-based models of grazing land carbon dynamics.
Lead Partner: TH Cattle Company, LLC
Other Major Partners: Western Sustainability Exchange, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Yard Stick, HowGood
Primary States Expected: AK, AZ, CA, GA, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NH, NM, NY, OK, SD, VT, WI, WY
Major Commodities: Grassfed beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,467,000Minnesota Climate-Smart Seedling Production Network
The proposed project plans to work with forest owners to grow a set of climate-adapted tree species resilient to the projected climate futures of Minnesota’s Midwest Broadleaf Forest, and monitor and market the climate-smart commodity. Producers would receive a payment for each tree seedling grown, in addition to assistance with start-up costs, provision of wild-collected tree seed, and cooperatively managed shipping and distribution of seedings. Seedlings produced as part of this pilot would bear a “Climate-Smart” label and would include native trees selected based on their projected climate capability. The project would provide free training opportunities about tree seed collection and seedling production market opportunities, paying a fair, hourly wage for participating tree seed collectors and provide start-up funds for interested producers, but for whom cost would be a barrier to enter the market.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: University of Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Three Rivers Parks District, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Urban Roots Seedling Production: Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota, Red Lake Nation, Regional Sustainable Development Partnership Monitoring and Evaluation: University of Minnesota-Duluth Market Access/Development: Hiawatha Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D)
Primary States Expected: MN
Major Commodities: Tree Seedlings
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,997Validating Agrivoltaic Technology with Underserved Agricultural Producers
This project plans to pilot the climate-smart co-location of agriculture and solar power (agrivoltaics) to measure and evaluate greenhouse gas benefits and promote equitable climate-smart commodity market development for Hispanic farmers and ranchers. Partners also plan to provide direct financial and culturally-relevant technical assistance to participants for implementing agrivoltaic systems on their farms and ranches.
Lead Partner: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Other Major Partners: Purdue University, AgriSolar Clearinghouse, HOPE for Small Farm Sustainability, Texas/Mexico Border Coalition (TMBC), Starr County Industrial Foundation (SCIF), Hub of Prosperity, Zamora Ranch, Justice and Mercy Energy Services (JustEnergy), The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), UTRGV Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement (SARA)
Primary States Expected: TX
Major Commodities: Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $2,229,200Expanding the Participation of Marginal Producers and Landowners to Promote Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Practices: Continuous Efforts of 1890 Agroforestry Consortium
The project plans to support small-scale and other underserved producers in three states with financial and technical assistance to transform their traditional production into a multi-pronged agroforestry-based climate-smart, sustainable production system. All producers and landowners are planned to receive financial incentives to cover costs of inputs and services. Partners plan to form a marketing network for labelling, packaging, and branding climate-smart commodities.
Lead Partner: Tuskegee University
Other Major Partners: Alabama A&M University, Virginia State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Primary States Expected: AL, MA, VA
Major Commodities: nuts, specialty vegetables, fruits (apples, persimmon, berries), medicinal herbs, and meat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Improved Practices of Climate-Smart Livestock Production Systems and Agricultural Commodities while Enhancing Carbon Sequestration in the Southern USA: Innovating toward a new climate-smart commodity by investing in minority producers
The project plans to work with minority small producers to implement silvopasture systems and climate-resilient forage systems. Producers would receive incentives that enable their participation in climate-smart pilots and continued implementation, including reduced feed costs, carbon credit profits, and value-added products. Partners would create a mobile processing and marketing system to support the local, farm-direct meat production pipeline in a climate-conscious manner. The marketing pipeline combine farmers’ markets, local restaurants, craft butcher shops, and direct to-consumer approaches.
Lead Partner: Tuskegee University
Other Major Partners: Mississippi State University, Alabama A&M University, Langston University, Widget Development & Trading Company
Primary States Expected: AL, MS, AR, TX
Major Commodities: Sheep and Goats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,081,100Developing Capacity to Quantify Climate-Smart Practices in Cool Season Specialty Crops
This project would provide advanced, technical assistance in English and Spanish to underserved and small grower partner operations to reduce nitrogen fertilizer use, plant cover crops and use soil amendments. Growers would receive mini-grants to monitor and report grower experience and conservation outcomes related to the implementation of proposed practices. Bilingual student Climate-Smart Ag Ambassadors plan to work directly with technical assistance staff and farmers to alleviate communication barriers and provide direct on-farm outreach to growers through field demonstration days.
Lead Partner: University Corporation at Monterey Bay
Other Major Partners: Huntington Farms, RCD of Monterey County, University of California Cooperative Extension, Agrology, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,990Arizona Partnership for Climate-Smart Food Crops
The project would promote climate-smart food production practices including strip cropping, multi-story cropping and others for desert adapted crops within four agrisystems. Producers would receive payments for implementing and auditing these practices and for additional practices as well as technical assistance specialized based on culture, language and experience. Through its partners, the project create a climate-smart logo, brand guide and messaging for multiple audiences and marketplaces such as chefs/restaurants, grocery stores, farmers market, and online markets. The project also plans to lease a commercial test kitchen for identifying culinary qualities of climate-smart crops, conducting consumer research, promoting a Desert Seed-to-Table program, and advancing retail market development and a consumer awareness campaign.
Lead Partner: University of Arizona
Other Major Partners: Tucson City of Gastronomy, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Local First Arizona, University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Primary States Expected: AZ, CO
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables, Specialty Crops, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,782,300Developing and Harnessing Climate-Smart Commodities from Hardwood Restoration for Small and Underserved Landowners in the Southern Bottomland Region
This project plans to focus on working with small scale and underserved landowners on marketing climate-smart wood products with support for bottomland hardwood afforestation and planting mixed hardwood oak plantations. Full technical and financial assistance is planned for landowners and demonstration sites. Partners plan to use a forest inventory system to monitor and assess tree stand structure, composition, and health status across the bottomland hardwood forests, and estimate carbon storage and evaluate indicator wildlife populations.
Lead Partner: University of Arkansas System
Other Major Partners: University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) (lead), University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), Texas A&M University
Primary States Expected: AR
Major Commodities: wood products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,710,000Commodities and Practices to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Pacific Island Agriculture and Forestry Systems
This project plans to market climate-smart commodities and achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions in Pacific Island agriculture and forestry systems while improving affordable food and nutrition security of disadvantaged, at-risk, island communities. Partners plan to employ an inter-disciplinary, culturally sensitive approach when working with local farmers and forestry managers. Technical workshops are planned to showcase various climate-smart practices and underserved producers and landowners are planned to receive stipends for participating in the project. Partners plan to conduct market research to better understand emerging and untapped markets and customer’s willingness to pay (WTP) for climate-smart commodities.
Lead Partner: University of Guam
Other Major Partners: Renato, Ryan, Isagani, Jesus, Agriculture Research Station CNMI, Taiwan Farm, Happy Farm, Government of Guam, Island View, Meda, Bernard Watson, Katrina Reyes, Aguon Takai, Marlene Rivo
Primary States Expected: Territories
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Innovative Cover-crop Opportunity, Verification and Economy stimulating technology for underserved farmers using Robotics (iCOVER)
The iCOVER project plans to scale up robotic cover crop planting and verification of soil carbon through innovative radiological robotic sensing technologies, creating markets for climate-smart products for minority underserved farmers growing specialty crops and animal products. The project plans to use standard and well-established soil sampling and remote sensing methods to measure and quantify the effect of cover crops on carbon sequestration, and then develop and scale up an innovative in-situ robotic system capable of soil carbon measurements at high-throughput using a contact-free radiological method for fast, accurate and automated soil organic carbon quantification. The project is planned to also focus on market building for underserved producers through an existing resource and partnerships with grocery chains and restaurants.
Lead Partner: University of Illinois
Other Major Partners: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Tuskegee University; Earth-Sense, Inc., Corteva, Indigo Ag
Primary States Expected: AL, IL, IN, MO, IA
Major Commodities: Corn, vegetables and livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Cover Crop Utilization to Boost Anaerobic Digestion, Transform Chicken Litter, Enhance Soil Health, and Create Climate-Smart Commodity Pathways for Small Farms on the Delmarva Peninsula
The project would directly address underserved producers on the Delmarva Peninsula by promoting climate-smart cover crops as a feedstock for digestor facilities. Project partners anticipate these facilities plan to provide a per acre incentive for harvested climate-smart cover crop biomass making them more economically sustainable and allowing for several project partners to promote and distribute the climate-smart products. This project plans to focus on environmental justice especially in communities impacted by environmental hazards, social-economic stress and poor infrastructure.
Lead Partner: University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Other Major Partners: Delmarva Land and Litter Collaborative, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, 2020 Farmers Cooperative, Millennium Farms
Primary States Expected: MA
Major Commodities: Poultry; Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Climate Resiliency for the Farm and Market Development: Economically Viable Low Carbon and Climate-Smart Practices for Soybean Farming
Team Climate-Smart Soybean plan to provide small/underserved soybean producers with sufficient incentives to encourage the use of climate-smart practices and participate in the development of markets and promotion of climate-smart soybeans. Participants would use cover crops, no-till, climate-smart soybeans, crop rotation, bio-fertilizers, and biochar. Led by an Hispanic-serving institution, project assistance would be provided in a culturally-relative approach.
Lead Partner: University of Texas at Arlington
Other Major Partners: Texas A&M AgriLife, University of Missouri, Tarleton State University
Primary States Expected: AR, MO, TX
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,991,400Blue Carbon, Green Fields: Mobilizing Marine Algae to Benefit Sea and Soil in the Pacific Northwest
This project plans to pilot a mutually beneficial collaboration between aquatic and terrestrial farms in the Puget Sound region, revolving around the removal and reconveyance of nuisance seaweed for application as a Carbon-sequestering soil amendment. This product would be used on small, direct-to-consumer, specialty crop and diversified farms and the crops would be marketed to pre-existing regional markets that support demand for climate-smart commodities. Shellfish farmers would benefit from new revenue streams from nuisance seaweed, the value of improved shellfish health and seawater quality and the potential for new marketing opportunities and/or premiums associated with implementing a verified climate-smart practice.
Lead Partner: University of Washington
Other Major Partners: Washington State University, Viva Farms, Puget Sound Restoration Fund, Baywater Shellfish
Primary States Expected: WA
Major Commodities: Specialty and Organic crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,865,100ClimateSmartGoods.com - Set Your Table and Lower Your Footprint
The project plans toselect farms in Mississippi and South Carolina to demonstrate the implementation of conservation/production plans – “Smart Crop Plans”, supporting the creation of a corresponding knowledge-based training platform. Project partners also plan to provide professional marketing consultant to advise on packaging, branding and marketing of “ClimateSmart” products and connecting the products with retail and wholesale markets.
Lead Partner: Up in Farms LLC
Other Major Partners: Up in Farms, Center of Resilience Excellence South Carolina, DRA Resources, Florida A&M University, Microsoft, NASA HBCU, Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance, Chulahoma's Garden LLC, BrightMa Farms, Piney Woods School, Warehouses 4 Good
Primary States Expected: MS, SC
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Hispanic Climate-Smart Commodities Initiative
This project plans to work with Puerto Rico and Florida Hispanic pasture and forage farmers to diversify and increase production while managing climate-smart farming methods and quantifying environmental outcomes. Project partners would address cultural and language barriers to provide technical assistance for implementing practices and marketing their beef in new revenue streams. Farmers with under 100 acres under management would be offered a higher flat fee per year.
Lead Partner: Victus Puerto Rico Inc
Other Major Partners: mano-Y-ola, LLC, Bien-Estar Agrícola LLC PR, Fundación Santa Elena de la Sabana Inc PR, Ponce Municipal Administration PR
Primary States Expected: FL; Territories
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,926,300Grazing Regeneratively for Appalachian Sustainable Solutions
Underserved farmers would receive financial and technical assistance to support the transition from typical livestock systems management to climate-smart practices. Practices implemented include land management plans, prescribed grazing, bale grazing, native grass and silvopasture establishment, incorporation of legumes and non-leguminous forbs, and use of traditional and novel soil amendments, such as biochar. The project would provide producers with marketing assistancefor grass-fed beef products as long as producers meet required criteria of certifications and product quality.
Lead Partner: West Virginia University Research Corporation
Other Major Partners: West Virginia University (WVU), Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, West Virginia State University, The West Virginia Conservation Agency (WVCA), The Soil and Water Conservation Division of Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (VaDCR-SWCD), Hickory Nut Gap (HNG)
Primary States Expected: WV, VA
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,795,300Northern New Mexico Hub of the Western Working Lands Climate-Smart Network
The Northern NM Climate-Smart Working Lands Hub plans to empower New Mexico Latino and underserved beef and pork producers and their trusted partners to collectively develop, implement, monitor, quantify and broker climate-smart livestock projects. Participants would benefit from reduced transaction costs and retaining more value of their goods and services in local communities. Through partnerships, the project would provide expertise on data collection and analysis and provide highly skilled sampling teams. The project would provide participants culturally-relevant technical assistance and assistance with entering and navigating the ecosystem service marketplace.
Lead Partner: Western Landowners Alliance
Other Major Partners: Working Lands Conservation, National Latinos Farmers and Ranchers
Primary States Expected: NM
Major Commodities: beef; pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,800Southwest Hub of the Western Working Lands Climate-Smart Network
The Southwest Climate-Smart Working Lands Hub plans to empower Southwest tribal beef and pork producers and their trusted partners to collectively develop, implement, monitor, quantify and broker climate-smart livestock projects. Participants would benefit from reduced transaction costs and retaining more value of their goods and services in local communities. Through partnerships, the project would provide expertise on data collection and analysis and provide highly skilled sampling teams. The project would provide participants culturally-relevant technical assistance and assistance with entering and navigating the ecosystem service marketplace.
Lead Partner: Western Landowners Alliance
Other Major Partners: Working Lands Conservation, Indian Nations Conservation Alliance
Primary States Expected: Tribal; AZ, NM, OK
Major Commodities: beef; pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,997,900Colorado Hub of the Western Working Lands Climate-Smart Network
Participating producers would receive financial assistance for implementing climate-smart practices in beef production and monitoring project outcomes. The project would model a successful, durable, and transferable climate-smart commodities market model to regenerate working landscapes.
Lead Partner: Western Landowners Alliance
Other Major Partners: Working Lands Conservation, National Latino Farmers and Ranchers, Central Colorado Conservancy
Primary States Expected: CO
Major Commodities: beef; pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,960Southeast Arkansas Agricultural Cooperative and Multicultural Education Initiative
This project plans to provide a market platform for rice growers producing premium rice that is certified sustainably grown. Participating farmers may earn a premium and save in variable crop expenses. This project plans to establish an agricultural apprenticeship at a minority serving institution, increase the supply of climate-smart rice, and promote climate-smart practices through education and demonstration. This project would use a “whole farm” approach to climate-smart management with a specific emphasis on quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in rice production.
Lead Partner: Whitaker Grain
Other Major Partners: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, RiceTec, Ducks Unlimited
Primary States Expected: AR
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Native Food Crops for Innovative Climate-Smart Production Models and Supply Chains – The Case of Blue Elderberry in the West
The project aims to assist early-adopter Tribal, underserved and small-scale producers to successfully produce a marketable elderberry crop from perennial planting, measure carbon sequestration and develop local processing capacity. Producers would receive an incentive payment per linear foot of elderberry planting, to cover the costs of establishment, maintenance, and the implementation of the additional suite of climate-smart agriculture practices. The project would identify potential sales channels (including local direct sales, value-added products, sales to identified and potential companies/distributors/brands, and Indigenous tribal communities), provide processing capabilities, and develop marketing materials.
Lead Partner: White Buffalo Land Trust
Other Major Partners: Jalama Canyon Ranch; Ted Chamberlin Ranch, Wild Farmlands Foundation; Orella Ranch, and The Santa Ynez Chumash Environmental Office (SYCEO)- Camp 4. The two outreach and advisory partners are Community Environmental Council and The Regents of the University of California – Agriculture and Natural Resources (e.g. UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program)
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Elderberries, Beef and Livestock (Silvopasture systems)
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,633,900Activating Food Hub Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture and Rural Revitalization
This project promotes climate-smart agriculture practices among small and underserved producers, including tribal producers, principally by equipping food hubs to finance and advise on-farm climate-smart practice implementation and marketing to wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. Participating farmers, who would receive technical assistance and training, would implement intensive rotational grazing; multispecies cover crops, crop rotation and reduced tillage/no-till; compost and biochar.
Lead Partner: Working Landscapes
Other Major Partners: North Carolina State University Center for Environmental Farming Systems, North Carolina A&T State University (BCU) Cooperative Extension, Resourceful Communities Partnership of the Conservation Fund, Croatan Institute, Haliwa Saponi Tribe, Weaver Street Market, Fruitful Innovation Group, Bender Farms, CEFS North Carolina 10% Campaign, Lumbee Farmers Cooperative (representing four Native American farmers), Davis Farms Sandy Creek (small, African-American owned produce and livestock farm), Hunt’s Farm (small, African-American owned produce and livestock farm), Bender Farms (small produce and row crop farm), Fourtee Acres (an African-American owned produce, row crop, and timber farm), Working Landscapes, Farmer Foodshare, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, Men & Women United, TRACTOR
Primary States Expected: NC
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900Creating Climate-Smart Commodities through Enhanced Rock Weathering in Agricultural Settings
Project participants would use basalt dust instead of agricultural lime to increase soil pH through a method known as Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), which speeds up a natural carbon sequestration process. Project funds would be used to cover all material, application, and monitoring costs for farmers as well as developing markets for the low-carbon carbon smart commodities grown by participating farmers. The project plans to determine the extent to which this process can increase crop yields, reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions (N2O), and decrease fertilizer and lime costs, much of which may benefit underserved agricultural producers at a time of record high input costs and increasing economic pressures.
Lead Partner: Yale University
Other Major Partners: Yale University, Georgia Inst. of Technology, Grodan, Agoro Carbon Alliance, Black Oaks Center, The Land Connection, Zumwalt Acres, Farm Foundation, Carolina Sunrock, Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC), American Peanut Council (APC)
Primary States Expected: CT, GA, IL
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,898,700
Tentatively-Selected Projects by Approximate Funding Ceilings
- 14 Projects with Approximate Funding Ceilings from $70M-$95M
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Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership (Finalized)
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board), National Center for Appropriate Technology, National Association of Conservation Districts, Soil Health Institute, University of Missouri, The Sustainability Consortium, Data Transmission Network, MBSH Consulting.
Available States: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, SoybeansAgreement Amount: $95,000,000
Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000
Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions
This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 states to adopt and implement climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, like cover crops, reduced tillage and nutrient management, and develop markets. Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Project plans to provide cost-share on a per acre basis to reduce costs for early adopting end users. ADM plans to transition climate-smart products to be sold a premium per bushel, allowing climate-smart practices to be funded with the supply chain.
Lead Partner: Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Other Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MO, MI, MN, MS, ND, NE, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse CropsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: US Cotton Trust Protocol, Soil Health Institute, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, Cotton Council International, Cotton Incorporated, Agricenter International, North Carolina A&T State U, Alabama A&T U, Texas AgriLife.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: CottonApproximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
California Dairy Research Foundation Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will build climate-smart dairy markets and provide financial incentives for dairy producers to adopt climate-smart manure management practices to reduce methane emissions, leveraging matching funding from non-federal sources. Financial incentives are planned on a per-cow basis to producers to implement vermifiltration, evaporative liquid waste processing systems, subsurface drip fertigation using liquid manure, weeping walls, aerated static compost piles, and others. On average producers will likely receive incentives that account for 30 to 50 percent of their total costs of CSAF practice adoption, while also receiving a premium for the climate-smart milk. This project plans to utilize partnerships designed to market climate-smart milk for a higher premium and conduct a consumer market messaging analysis to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of approaches to best promote climate-smart milk in multiple market channels.
Lead Partner: California Dairy Research Foundation
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, California Milk Advisory Board, Dairy Cares, California Dairy Campaign, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, Milk Producers Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Sustainable Conservation, Western United Dairies, California Farm Bureau Federation, University of California, Davis, University of California, Riverside, University of California Cooperative Extension, Truterra, California Dairies, Inc., Challenge Dairy Products, Nestlé
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $85,000,000
Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) Partnership: Supporting Agricultural Producers at All Scales to Deliver Productivity, Market Opportunities, and Enhanced Soil, Water, and Climate Benefits
This project will build climate-smart markets for a variety of agricultural commodities and help to make adopting climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices more economically viable for producers by compensating them at a rate that guarantees and reasonable return, with a price floor that surpasses costs. It also proposes to conduct research on consumer willingness to pay for climate-smart labels to help assess the private market and label effectiveness, and develop a national climate-smart agriculture and forestry certification model that can used with private sector purchasers.
Lead Partner: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Other Major Partners: Rural Partnership to Protect the Environment (RIPE), Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, North Dakota Farmers Union, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Arkansas Rice Federation, Agricultural Council of Arkansas, Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Assoc., Natl. Assoc. of Conservation Districts, National Black Growers Council, Sustainable Food Lab, Environmental Initiative, and Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR)
Primary States Expected: AR, MN, ND, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Rice, Beef, Pork, DairyApproximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
Rice Stewardship Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities
This project will build climate-smart rice markets and work to reduce methane emissions in rice production through the adoption of alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigation, and other climate-smart practices and support underserved producers by improving critical infrastructure necessary to implement climate-smart practices in the future. This project plans to work with Black and underserved producers to leverage over 60 Climate-Smart practices and scenarios. USA rice plans to work with monitoring partners to certify quantified emission reductions for grain produced through this pilot and promote marketing assistance.
Lead Partner: USA Rice Federation, Inc
Other Major Partners: National Black Growers Council; Warehouses4Good; Entergy Corporation; Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; USA Rice; California Rice Commission; Delta F.A.R.M.; Walmart Corporation; Walmart Foundation; Nestle’ Purina PetCare Company; The Mosaic Company; RiceTec, Inc.; Anheuser-Busch; Riceland Foods; Delta Plastics; Corteva Agriscience; Field to Market; Arva Intelligence; Regrow; University of Arkansas; Mars; Kellogg’s.
Primary States Expected: AR, CA, LA, MS, MO, TX
Major Commodities: RiceApproximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
Horizon II: A Climate-Smart Future for Corn, Soybean, Livestock, and Renewable Natural Gas Production
This project will enhance climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve carbon sequestration in the production of corn, soybean, pork, and beef commodities, while creating opportunities for small and underserved producers and benefitting soil health, clean water, flood control, and habitats for native wildlife. Project plans provide financial compensation for producers to plant prairie grasses and cover crops to be harvested and converted to biogas and biofertilizer in digesters. Partners plan to establish markets for cover crops and grassland restoration on low profit corn and soybean croplands.
Lead Partner: Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC
Other Major Partners: Biostar Renewables, Conservation Districts of Iowa, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa State University, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Sievers Family Farms, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, Smithfield Foods, The Nature Conservancy, University of Missouri, Verdesian, Veterans in Agriculture"
Primary States Expected: IA, MO
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Pork, Beef, GrassApproximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate-smart beef/bison commodity markets.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies, National Bison Association, Agspire, Tanka fund, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company, Cold Creek Buffalo Company, MIllborn Seeds, SmartScore.ai, Yard Stick, Texas A & M, C-Lock
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, BisonApproximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative
This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, including Tribal and Black farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment. The project plans to focus on cover crops, low- or no-till, nutrient management, and/or enhanced efficiency fertilizers to increase supply of climate-smart corn, cotton, soy, and wheat.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Other Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, MS, MO, MN, MT, NE, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, LivestockApproximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate-Smart Agriculture Partnerships
This project will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate-smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Other Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Primary States Expected: CA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MD, MI, MN, NE, ND, NM, NY, OH, PA, SD, TX, UT, WI
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, OatsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
Building Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities in South Carolina
This project will utilize a coalition of 27 entities to execute a pilot project that provides incentives to farmers to implement climate-smart (CS) production practices. The project will examine and verify the benefits resulting from implementing CS practices and will support development of markets for the resulting CS commodities. The project plans to provide direct payments to producers to implement climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and tillage management, reduced tillage, mulching, nutrient management, prescribed grazing, prescribed fire, tree stand improvement, and early successional habitat development and management. The plan to develop and expand involves advanced economic analysis techniques to estimate economic and environmental benefits and to assess potential long-term viability, as well as creation of a labeling and certification process for climate-smart commodities.
Lead Partner: Clemson University
Other Major Partners: SC State U., American Peanut Council, Aster Global Environmental Solutions, Barry Graden, CU Wood Utilization Institute, Forest Assoc. of SC, Help for Landowners, Mixon Seeds, Plametto Agribusiness Council, Petrichor Global, SC Cattleman's Assoc., SC Peanut Board, SC Southern SARE, SC Timber Producers Assoc., SC Forage and Grazing Lands Coalition, SC Farmer;s Markets, SC Specialty Crop Assoc., The Long Leaf Alliance, Tidewater Lumber and Moulding, US Endowment for Forests and Communities, WP Rawl, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Gullah Geechee Community, SC Black Farmer's Assoc, SC New & Beginning Farmers Program, Fartmer Veteran Coalition of SC, Women in Agriculture, Women Owning Woodlands
Primary States Expected: SC
Major Commodities: Peanuts, Beef, Forage, Leafy Greens, Forest ProductsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
- 9 Projects with Approximate Funding Ceilings from $50M-$65M
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National Sorghum Producers Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will implement climate-smart production practices across hundreds of thousands of acres of sorghum working lands, with the goal of reducing hundreds of millions of pounds of carbon emissions and developing markets for sorghum as a climate-smart commodity.
Lead Partner: National Sorghum Producers Association
Other Major Partners: KS Black Farmers Assoc.; Peoria Tribe of Indians of OK; KS AgriWomen; Women Managing the Farm; CO, KS, NM, OK & TX Sorghum Assocs; United Sorghum Checkoff, Prairie View A&M, CO State, TX Tech, TX A&M, KS State and OK State Univ.; NM & KS Depts of Agriculture; Field to Market; RIPE; Trust in Food™; Natl. Cotton Council; Amer. Coalit. for Ethanol; KS Water, Pheasants/Quail Forever; Salk Institute; Danforth Center; Galvanize Clim. Solut.; Arable; Argonne Natl Lab; K-Coe Isom; Sust Envir Consult; ServiTech, Danone; Kashi; Bayer Crop Sci; ADM; Conestoga Energy; KS Ethanol; Pratt, West. Plains & Energy; Nu Life Market; CoBank; & High Plains Farm Credit
Primary States Expected: CO, KS, NM, OK, TX, Tribal
Major Commodities: SorghumApproximate Funding Ceiling: $65,000,000
Texas Climate-Smart Initiative
This project, the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative (CSI), is a five-year multi-commodity pilot project to transition Texas' large agricultural sector to climate-smart agriculture and forestry (CSAF) practices and develop new markets for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to provide financial incentives for a wide array of climate-smart practices including cover crops, forestry practices, grazing and pasture management practices and nutrient management. Planned marketing efforts include brand creation and cost-benefit analysis tools for producer use.
Lead Partner: Texas A & M Agrilife Research
Other Major Partners: Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board, Prairie View A&M University, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, Tarleton State University, BCarbon, Nori, Plains Cotton Growers Association, Texas Wheat Producers Board, TX Corn Producers Board, TX Sorghum Producers Board, TX Rice Producers Board, U.S. Rice Producers Association, TX Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association, TX International Produce Association, TX Citrus Mutual, TX Pecan Growers Association, TX Small Farmers & Ranchers Organization, 100Ranchers, TX Cattle Feeders Association, TX Association of Dairymen, TX Poultry Federation, TX Forestry Association, TX Chapter of National Women in Agriculture, Global Revive, Small Producers Initiative, American Plant Food
Primary States Expected: TX
Major Commodities: Cotton, Wheat, Sorghum, Corn, Rice, Vegetables, Livestock, Dairy, Forest Products, Citrus, Pecan, Olive, Grapes, HempApproximate Funding Ceiling: $65,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Other Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, CO, GA, IN, KS, KY:MS, MO, MT, NE, ND, OK, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, CornApproximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
NYS Connects: Climate-Smart Farms and Forests
Utilizing behavioral systems approach to break through social norms/barriers, this project will build on strong existing partnerships in the conservation and agricultural communities in NY state to expand climate-smart markets. This project will fund ag producers/forest landowners to implement multiple climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, utilize modern tools to quantify results of climate-smart agriculture, and build connections between landowners and companies with a demand for climate- smart commodities. COMET-Planner is planned to be used to assess each climate-smart practice in the project. For key practices, including the pilot practice areas in methane mitigation, enhanced weathering and agroforestry, the project plans to use International Panel on Climate Change methods, empirical data collection by Cornell University and Soil and Water Conservation District staff, and other tools. Utilizing existing data, along with new data collected from implemented climate-smart practices during the project period, a new decision support tool will be created to more accurately assess carbon sequestration for farmland and GHG mitigation as a result of implemented practices. The Ecological Platform for Assimilation of Data (EcoPAD) platform, developed and scientifically validated over the past two decades and deployed primarily for research in C cycling, will be further developed to allow New York State to use the system to determine the best incentive practices that balance economic activities with GHG emissions mitigation and C sequestration. Blockchain Technology will be part of the mechanism to track carbon through supply chain ecosystem. A pilot project will be developed for New York’s building sector to help transition to low carbon construction materials. A New York State Climate-Smart Commodities Label ecosystem will be created. The New York Climate-Smart label would track & promote climate-smart commodities through the value chain by commodity type to the final product. The project plans to engage directly with underserved and socially disadvantaged producers through an extensive network of service providers including the Cornell Small Farmers Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension Specialists and Soil & Water Conservation Districts, planning to reach at least 200 small and underserved producers with financial incentives. The project plans to give participants the option to have cost-share paid directly to the contractor to help overcome financial barriers to practice implementation associated with upfront funding needs.
Lead Partner: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation**
Other Major Partners: Dept. of Agriculture and Markets*,**, Energy Research & Development Authority & Soil and Water Conservation Committee, Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences*, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry*, Syracuse University*, County Soil and Water Conservation Districts*, Evidn*, Michigan State University*, Mercy Works*, Cornell Small Farms Equitable Farm Futures Initiative & Veterans FarmOps program, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY urban ag team, International Refugee Committee NY, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanic Garden, Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, SCRE Design*, Innsure*
Primary States Expected: NY
Major Commodities: Dairy, Livestock, Field Crops, Fruits, Vegetables, Specialty Crops, Forestry
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Climate-Smart Commodities for Idaho: A Public-Private-Tribal Partnership
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 100 farms in Idaho through the provision of financial and technical assistance to producers, with a focus on barley, beef, chickpea, potatoes, sugar, wheat, and hops. Project plans to direct 75 percent of funds to participant incentives for implementing a variety of practices including cover crops, no-till, biochar, cover crops with livestock grazing, interseeding of legumes and precision fertilizer application. The measurement and monitoring system are planned to be based on field and laboratory measurements using a spatially nested design to facilitate scaling-up of project results. The Carbon Management Evaluation Tools (COMET-Farm) are planned to be utilized throughout the project to establish baselines; this project also plans to generate data from field measurements of GHG emissions that will be used to improve COMET and other models for use within the western U.S. This project plans to focus on seven key commodities in Idaho with national and international markets: barley, beef, chickpea, potatoes, sugar, wheat, hops and specialty crops. At least 30% of enrolled producers are planned to be from underserved communities, including mostly veterans, women, and small producers.
Lead Partner: Regents of the University of Idaho
Other Major Partners: Coeur d’Alene Tribe* Nez Perce Tribe* Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts*, The Nature Conservancy*, The Wave Foundation, Desert Mountain Grassfed Beef*, Salmon Safe/Kooskooskie Fish, LLC, University of Idaho*, SaulGill, LLC DBA Arrowleaf Consulting*
Primary States Expected: ID, Tribal
Major Commodities: Barley, Beef, Chickpea, Potatoes, Sugar Beets, Wheat, Hops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000
Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-Led Climate-Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up
This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, like cover crops and stripcropping, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards. Each farmer-led project under the proposal will be encouraged to create enhanced financial incentives for underserved and small farmers to encourage participation. The project plans to encourage on-ramps into available business opportunities and increase revenue streams associated with the adoption of climate-smart actions. Marketing plans focus on a bottom-up approach to establishing markets through farmer leadership in areas with farmer-led projects.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, OH, OR, SD, WI, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Dairy, SugarbeetsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000
Climate-Smart Potatoes from the Pacific Northwest: Managing Soil Health for Climate-Smart Outcomes
This project will build climate-smart markets and advance adoption of climate-smart management systems in the Pacific Northwest states of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon where more than 62% of U.S. potatoes are grown and 15% of the domestic supply of seed potatoes are produced. Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification are planned to be conducted at multiple scales to: (i) verify that conservation practices are implemented, (ii) establish Soil Health and C Targets, (iii) estimate GHG emission reductions at the county/Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) level, (iv) verify GHG emission reductions at the farm field level, (v) verify soil C-sequestration estimates, changes in soil C, and changes in soil health at the farm field level, and (vi) report on the practices and their impacts on GHG emissions, C-sequestration, and soil health over the five-year project period. As a part of developing pilot markets, the project identified two companies (Threemile Canyon and Mart Produce) that are interested in investigating development of pilot markets and promotions for Climate-Smart labelled potato products. Additionally, a pilot marketplace for buyers and sellers using chain-of-custody ownership tracking via the block chain through supply chains is planned to be investigated for the potential exchange of C-credits among project participants such as contracts between producers and processors/handlers, and between processors/handlers and product purchasers. The project plans to engage independent grower networks to reach small and underserved producers and plans to work through tribal liasons and partner networks to reach tribal producers. The three partnering tribes plan to enroll approximately 50,000 acres in the program. The project will continue engaging and enrolling additional tribes throughout the life of the project. The project will provide financial assistance as well as technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Oregon State University
Other Major Partners: Oregon State University, University of Idaho*, Washington State University, Soil Health Institute*, LoCo Plus, LLC*, Seven Generations LLC*, Industrial Hemp Association of Washington, Lamb Weston, Frito-Lay, Mart Produce, Simplot, Yakama Nation: Confederated Tribes and Bands, Nez Perce Tribe*, Confederated Tribes of the Colville
Primary States Expected: ID, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Potatoes
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000
- 25 Projects with Approximate Funding Ceilings from $25M-$45M
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Unlocking the Benefits of Regenerative Almonds: Partnerships to Develop and Expand Global Climate-Smart Market Opportunities through Grower Incentives
This project will promote the adoption of climate-smart and regenerative practices on California almond farms, including those operated by underserved producers, and expand market opportunities for climate-smart almonds through development of verified claims, business-to-business reporting, and supply-chain greenhouse gas quantification. This will support the development of a market-based mechanism for almond buyers and incentivize almond growers to adopt climate-smart practices. The project plans to provide incentives for almond grower adoption of cover crops, conservation cover, hedgerows, and whole orchard recycling. The project plans to develop a third-party verification and chain of custody system to support marketing efforts. And explore how to best leverage products as propriety brands or ingredient products sold to other food companies, or both. The project plans to have all growers quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits using the COMET Planner Tool as employed in California for the CDFA Healthy Soils Program. The project also plans to develop a system of monitoring, reporting, and third-party verification of climate-smart practices. The project plans to engage third-party verification and chain of custody systems to support climate-smart claims that relate to product labeling needs and customer expectations. Upon establishment of these systems, Blue Diamond Growers will convene meetings with key internal leaders, consumer insights analysts, and financial analysts to explore how to best leverage product claims resulting from this program with either proprietary brands or ingredient products sold to other food companies, or both. Upon establishment of these systems, Blue Diamond Growers will convene meetings with key internal leaders, consumer insights analysts, and financial analysts to explore how to best leverage product claims resulting from this program with either proprietary brands or ingredient products sold to other food companies, or both. About 85% of the requested funds are planned to go to specialty crop growers of almonds to implement Climate Smart practices.
Lead Partner: Blue Diamond Growers**
Other Major Partners: Cool Farm Alliance Pollinator Partnership*, Project Apis*, SureHarvest, Where Food Comes From, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Almonds
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000
Supreme Rice, LLC's Climate-Smart Initiative to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Water Use Through the Adoption of Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation Practices in Rice Production
This project will expand climate-smart markets and provide financial incentives for underserved and small-scale rice producers to reduce methane emissions through alternate wetting and drying irrigation and adopt other sustainable growing practices to reduce emissions and water consumption. Project plans to offer financial incentives for changing management practices and reducing perceived risk barriers. A multi-faceted campaign is planned to educate consumers and recognized participating producers. Pre-established baselines are planned to be used to quantify methane emissions in rice by peer-reviewed research. Automated water level measuring devices, Crop Links, are planned to be deployed at a rate of 1 per every 100 acres.The project plans to design a campaign to educate consumers and bring recognition to the farmers and climate-smart commodities in the project. This campaign would be multi-faceted in nature, through the use of focused storytelling, TV Ads, Radio, YouTube Videos, Facebook Ads, Cooking shows, and Billboard Ads. Supreme plans to ensure that growers who fit the “underserved and small grower” category are informed and have every opportunity to participate in the program. The project expects to enroll 769 growers and 166,415 program acres attributed to underserved rice growers.
Lead Partner: Supreme Rice, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Southern University and A&M College*, Louisiana State University*,**, Louisiana Rice Growers, Arkansas Rice Growers
Primary States Expected: AR, LA
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000
Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy
Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Primary States Expected: CT, KS, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NM, NY, PA, RI, TX, VT
Major Commodities: DairyApproximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000
Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy, Western New York Energy, Ingredion, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company), Agris (Greenstone), Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Dairy, Poultry, Beef, Pork, Specialty CropsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project
This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Other Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, CA, CO, IL, IN, FL, GA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NE, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV, WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty CropsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Portfolio of Partnerships for Hawaii Climate-Smart Commodities
This project will help overcome climate-smart implementation barriers through investment and incentives, improve technical assistance capacity through community-based organization networks, build decision support tools for modeling/verification, and generate internal momentum for a market-based climate-smart sustainable food system embedded within resilient and abundant landscapes across Hawaii. The project plans to use a statewide producer engagement team to spearhead a phased approach to producer engagement and equity. It also plans to conduct comprehensive consumer and institutional buyer studies, develop a locally grown and climate smart communications and branding strategy in partnership with major institutional purchases, tourism industry, food hubs, retailers and distributors.
Lead Partner: Lynker Corporation
Other Major Partners: Hawai'i Producer Engagement Team, Hawai'i Cattlemen's Council, Oahu Resource Conservation and Development Council, Hawai'i Farmers Union United, Teh Kohala Centger, Pacific Gateway Center, Forest Solutions Incorporated, Hawai'i department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and wildlife, University of Hawai'i manoa, University of Florida, Colorado State University, NRDS, Lynker, Transforming Hawai'i's Food Systems together, Hawai'i Department of Agriculture, Aloha+ Challenge, Hawai'i Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Taskforce, FarmLink..
Primary States Expected: HI
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Agroforestry, Breadfruit, Avocado, Beef, Sugarcane, Taro, Specialty CropsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)
This multi-year project will pilot, test, and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to climate-smart markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Other Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Catlemen's Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Primary States Expected: Nationwide
Major Commodities: BeefApproximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)
This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide climate-smart commodity (CSC) forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products. The project plans to work with Center for Heirs' Property Preservation and Women Owning Woodlands to increase the participation of underserved minority and women forest owners in climate-smart practices, dedicating five workshops for these two groups. Through the grant period, the project anticipates engaging 450 underserved landowners in South Carolina and at least 400 more in additional states. During the term of the grant, AFF and its partners plan to market the resulting, third-party verified climate benefits from participating properties not as carbon credits, but as climate benefits associated with wood products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Other Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Primary States Expected: AL, GA, IN, KY, MD, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest ProductsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Building a Climate-Smart Domestic Rubber Industry and a Solution for Growers to a Water Crisis
This project will expand natural rubber production in the Southwest with lowered greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs in the region and for tribal stakeholders, and building a climate-smart rubber bioeconomy based on climate-smart and sustainable practices. This project plans to pay a per acre per year incentive, and fund planting, harvesting and delivery of the crop to the processing facility. The work proposed almost exclusively works with underserved and small producers, including the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Colorado River Tribes. The project aims to include marketing the rubber to Bridgestone, which is providing more than $35M in cost share to the project. The strategy would incorporate an integrated, robust, and comprehensive approach to data measurement and analysis, which includes soil carbon and plant measurements, ground level GHG measurements, flux tower measurements, soil carbon modeling, and holistic life cycle and techno-economic modeling. Data from field measurements and modeling is planned to be used to recommend large-scale adoption and feed directly into COMET-Farm and COMET-Planner. The project aims to include marketing the rubber to Bridgestone. Bridgestone is providing more than $35M in cost share, demonstrating its commitment to the development of the climate-smart natural rubber commodity. Bridgestone is currently pursuing numerous market areas and has already engaged prospective customers in many of those areas. Some specific market activities by co-product/product including natural rubber latex and resin. This project plans to pay a per acre per year incentive regardless of yield and fund planting, harvesting and delivery of the crop to the processing facility. The work proposed almost exclusively works with underserved and small producers, including the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Colorado River Tribes.
Lead Partner: University of Arizona
Other Major Partners: Bridgestone Americas, Inc.**, Colorado State University*, OpenET*, Tohono O'odham Nation, Colorado River Indian Tribes (Mohave, Chemeuvi, Hopi and Navajo peoples)
Primary States Expected: AZ, Tribal
Major Commodities: Natural Rubber
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Climate-Smart Specialty Grains and Oilseeds: Covering America from Coast to Coast
This project increases on-farm crop rotations via a holistic management soil health protocol that results in identity preserved specialty grains and oilseeds, as well as a new category of climate-smart cover crop seed. The climate-smart specialty grains and oilseeds project will encourage farmers in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest to raise climate-smart oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina and develop related climate-smart markets. Project plans to provide technical assistance and direct financial climate-smart practice incentive payments or producer premiums for CS commodities. Partners plan to provide each underserved or small-scale producer participant a whole farm analysis enrolling more of their acres in working land conservation programs. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to quantify GHG benefits from both the contract specialty grain and oilseed fields and the resulting cover crops planted from their production. This project plans to grow five specialty crops (oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina) in a comprehensive climate-smart manner. Millborn Seeds plans to connect cover crop seed users. A target of 25% of total acres each year are planned to be reserved for underserved or small producers, ensuring that at least 25% of the incentive payments for the per bushel premium will go to these two producer groups. Additionally, an underserved rate is planned to be used for cover crop or perennial forage planting adoption, and technical assistance is planned to be provided to all participants on an individual basis. Each underserved or small producer are planned to receive a whole farm analysis from AgSpire on how more of their acres could participate in additional working lands conservation programs, beyond the enrolled acres in this project.
Lead Partner: Millborn Seeds, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: AgSpire*, EarthOptics*, High Plains Biochar, Biochar Co-Op, Value Added Agriculture Development Center, Grain Millers Inc., Iowa Cover Crop
Primary States Expected: IA,MN,MT,NE,ND,SD,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Oats, Rye, Flax, Buckwheat, Camelina, Specialty Grain, Oilseed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
New England Climate-Smart Forest Partnership Project
This project will implement forest management practices with large commercial producers and smaller woodlot and Tribal owners to store more carbon in the forest, quantify the resulting carbon gains, and build markets for climate-smart forest products to store carbon in wood products and substitute wood products for fossil fuel-based materials. The project aims to include Climate-smart forestry practices like reduced impact logging, timber stand improvement thinning, maintaining legacy trees and brown ash as a component of New England’s forest, as well as maintain cultural integrity and economy of First Nations. This project plans to utilize the monitoring and verification program created by AFF and TNC for the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) that provides a sophisticated methodology for determining carbon stocking and can differentiate between areas treated with practices and the surrounding landscape. The program plans to advance markets for climate-smart forest products with a focus on high-value wood in the mass timber sector. The project plans to engage affordable housing agencies across the region in utilizing mass timber construction. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production.
Lead Partner: New England Forestry Foundation**
Other Major Partners: Seven Islands, Weyerhauser, Wagner Woodlands, Baskahegan, Robbins Lumber, Pasamoquoddy Forestry Dept, UMaine*,**, Nature Conservancy, Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership, Mass Tree Farm Program, Hull Forestlands, Heyes Family Forests, Trust to Conserve Northeast forestlands*,**, American Forest Foundation*,**, Spatial informatic group*, Innov. Natural Res. Solutions*, Spritios Properties, LLC*,**, Leers Weinzapfel Assoc*,**, Quantified Ventures*,**, Woodworks*, Forest Stewards Guild, Mas Audobon, Our climate common, Highstead Foundation, Mass Forest Alliance, CT Forest & Park Assoc, Appalach. Mtn Club. Mass Woodlands Institute,Tom Walker*, John Hagen*, Daigneault Consulting*
Primary States Expected: ME, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Climate Beneficial Fiber: Building New, Accessible, and Equitable Market Opportunities for Climate-Smart Cotton and Wool
This project will expand the existing Climate Beneficial™ fiber program: a system for sequestering carbon, regenerating soil health and resilience, improving social equity, and bolstering America's ability to produce climate-smart fiber. A newly created, open-source, Carbon Farm Planning and Verification Platform will streamline climate-smart agriculture planning and verification for producers, verifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The project plans to have a trained Planner monitor implementation, ensuring that practices are implemented in accordance with practice standard criteria linked to the COMET tools. A Portal database architecture is planned to allow for anticipated and realized GHG benefits to be queried by project, region, commodity, or dollar expended, allowing these data to be aggregated and analyzed at various scales. Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation.
Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation. This project aims to meet the equity goals of the Justice40 Initiative, directing at least 40% of project benefits to small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource, and women farmers, as well as producers growing specialty crops.
Lead Partner: National Center for Appropriate Technology, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Carbon Cycle Institute*,**, Colorado State University Dept of Soil and Crop Sciences*, Fibershed*,**, Seed 2 Shirt*,**, New York Textile Lab*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, GA, IN, MT, NC, NY, SD, TN, WY
Major Commodities: Sheep, Wool, Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Climate-Smart Grasslands: The Root of Agricultural Carbon Markets
A diverse partnership of 28 entities will develop climate-smart grasslands agriculture markets and practices for the eastern U.S. through a large-scale pilot project. The project collaborates with 245 working farms to install innovative, scientifically sound practices including grazing, seeding grass and using soil amendments, that improve soil carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain operational profitability and resiliency. The project plans to market climate-smart beef with the ultimate goal of launching a cooperative to sell climate-smart beef products.
Lead Partner: The University of Tennessee
Other Major Partners: Univ. of AR, KY, MO AL Cooperative Extension, Clemson Univ., NC State University, Purdue Univ., TN State Univ., Univ. of TN, VA State University, and VA Tech, Tyson Foods Inc., JBS, Corteva, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Ecosystem Services Marketing Consortium, American Forage & Grassland Council, National Grazing Lands Coalition, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, multiple state cattle associations, American and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federations, The Nature Conservancy, American Bird Conservancy, Monarch JointVenture, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, TN Department of Agriculture, MO Department of Conservation, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, IN, KY, MO, NC, SC, TN, VA
Major Commodities: Beef, Small Ruminants, Dairy, ForageApproximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Climate-Smart Cotton through a Sustainable and Innovative Supply Chain Approach
This project will expand climate-smart cotton markets and implement methods to restore soil and ecosystem health in cotton production through regenerative farming and best practices based on specific regions and needs. The project plans to create tools focused on small and underserved producers for communications, climate smart educational materials, outreach/educational activities, and engagement on farm for data collection and practice implementation. The project plans to enroll women and minority farmers. The project plans to work with partners, farmers, and brands to further intensify and target cooperation with clients around the purchase and sale of climate-smart cotton, as well as the development of long-term strategies and agreements progressing the market for climate-smart cotton in a way which is economically sustainable for all value chain players – from farmer to consumer.
Lead Partner: Ecom USA, LLC
Other Major Partners: ECOM USA, Earthworm. Quarterway Cotton Growers, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, University of Arkansas Coop Ext, CIBO Technologies, Control Union, 5 LOCCotton, Product DNA
Primary States Expected: AR, TX
Major Commodities: CottonApproximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Climate-Smart Camelina
This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems and build associate climate-smart biofuels markets. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Primary States Expected: ID, CO, KS, MO, MT, OK, OR, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: CamelinaApproximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Producer Led Collaborative Effort to Fundamentally Transition the U.S. Beef Supply Chain to Carbon Neutral
This eight-state project will amplify production of climate-smart beef by expanding market drivers, grassroots support networks, and early adopter mentors and providing technical assistance for the adoption of climate-smart grazing practices to substantially reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. The project plans 90 percent of participants will be small-scale producers.
Lead Partner: American Farmland Trust
Other Major Partners: The Integrity Beef Alliance, Indigo Ag, AgriWebb, Freedmen Heirs Foundation, Earth Optics, Regenified, OpenTEAM, U.S. Biochar Initiative, Virginia Forage and Grasslands Council, Maryland Grazers Network, Pennsylvania Grazing Lands Coalition, Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, Black Family Land Trust, Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont, and Farmer Veteran Coalition
Primary States Expected: AL, GA, MD, MS, OK, PA, TX, VA
Major Commodities: BeefApproximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
The GEVO Climate-Smart Farm-to-Flight Program
The project aims to create critical structural climate-smart market incentives for low carbon-intensity corn as well as to accelerate the production of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce the sector’s dependency on fossil-based fuel. This project includes an immediate market opportunity to sell climate-smart, low-climate-impact corn. The project plans to use existing relationships within the airline industry to secure offtake agreements for low-carbon intensity sustainable aviation fuel and other biofuel purchasers. The project plans to establish an advisory council, which will include members from underserved groups, specifically focusing on gender equality and minority representation from the Native tribal organizations, to ensure project design and implementation adequately account for underserved producers and communities. Program materials, education and training are planned to be centered on minority-owned farms and the benefits of enrolling their farm acreage in a climate-smart commodities program; this project also specifically aims to enroll two historically underserved groups: women (majority female-owned farms) in southeast Iowa and southeast Nebraska and Native American tribal organizations in South Dakota, including the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
Lead Partner: Gevo, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC, Google, Farmers Edge, EarthOptics, South Dakota State University, Regen Ag Labs, Yard Stick, Double H Ag Services, Farmers Edge, AgSpire, PrairieFood, Stine Seed Farm, Holganix, Trace Genomics, MidState Agronomy, Double H Ag Services, Colorado State University, Iowa State University, Standing Rock (SAGE) Renewable Energy Power Authority
Primary States Expected: MN, SD, NE, IA, Tribal
Major Commodities: CornApproximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West
This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to verify GHG benefits. In addition, Colorado State University will study impact and adoption of climate-smart soil health practices. The project plans to use a STAR Rating System to market & receive premium for climate-smart products. Branding opportunities for STAR related products will be used. The project plans to support multiple underserved producers with financial assistance. To ensure equitable administration that includes small / underserved producers, improved understanding and awareness of climate-smart commodities among small and underserved producers, expand their access to participation and reduce market entry risk, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) and others to help guide recruitment and peer to peer learning.
Lead Partner: Colorado Department of Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District*, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts & Conservation Districts in other states*,**, Colorado Open Lands*, Colorado State University*, National Center for Appropriate Technology*, Sangre de Cristo Association of Acequias, Univ. of Idaho, Montana State Univ., New Mexico State Univ., Utah State University, Univ. of Wyoming, Audubon Society, Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, Acres USA, Quivira Coalition, Yardstick, Zero Foodprint, Bob’s Red Mill, Quinn Snacks, Groundup Consulting*,
Primary States Expected: CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WA, WY
Major Commodities: Beef, Corn, Grains
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
An Integrated Approach to Scaling-Up Climate-Smart Practices for Crop, Livestock, and Agroforestry Production
This project will focus on a training program about climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices in conjunction with financial incentives for ag producers who implement the CSA practices. The goal is to expand climate-smart agriculture markets throughout Missouri and serve as a teaching model for other states. To better engage small scale producers, including underserved farmers, the project plans to offer 100 farmers incentive funds to create climate-smart fieldscape demonstrations including cover crops and regenerative grazing.
Lead Partner: The Curators of the University of Missouri
Other Major Partners: Center for Regenerative Agriculture, Center for Agroforestry, Lincoln University, MO Soybean Assoc./Merchandising Council, MO Corn Growers Assoc./Merchandising Council, MO Cattlemen’s Association, MO Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, The Nature Conservancy, Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, EarthDance, STAR Program, ESMC, MO Departs. of Ag., Natural Resources & Conservation, U.S Geological Survey, MO Agribusiness Association, MFA Inc., MO Fertilizer Control Board, Kansas City Food Hub, FarmRaise, MARC-IV Consulting, Nestle-Purina, Show-Me Energy, Mid-America Biofuels, MO Prime Beef Packers
Primary States Expected: MO
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Oats, Sorghum, Cotton, Beef, Forage, Specialty CropsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Quantifying the Potential to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increase Carbon Sequestration by Growing and Marketing Climate-Smart Commodities in the Southern Piedmont
Aimed at the southern piedmont vegetable farming community, this proposal will utilize an interdisciplinary system approach including farmer adoption, understanding economic/social barriers, market/consumer buy-in, utilizing technology, and easing the burden on farmers. The results of the project will build climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increases carbon sequestration, and increase farmer economic opportunities and adoption of climate-smart agriculture.
Lead Partner: Rodale Institute
Other Major Partners: University of Georgia, Virginia Association for Biological Farming, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, Georgia Organics, Emory University, University of Georgia, Soil Health Institute, University of Tennessee, Clemson University, North Carolina State University, University of Wisconsin - Madison, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
Primary States Expected: GA, NC, PA, SC, VA
Major Commodities: VegetablesApproximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Climate-Smart Agriculture that is Profitable, Regenerative, Actionable, and Trustworthy (CARAT)
This project will enable partners to expand climate-smart markets and work with dairy producers in PA to implement climate-smart agriculture. An overarching goal is establishing successful and profitable partnerships between diverse producers, including underserved producers, and consumers, leading to a reduction of greenhouse gases, suppressing methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and storage of carbon. The proposal plans to market climate-smart milk by utilizing the CARAT advisory board to connect with companies interested in purchasing greenhouse gas credits or climate-smart milk.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania State University- University Park
Other Major Partners: Center for Dairy Excellence, Proagrica, Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, Red Barn Consulting
Primary States Expected: PA
Major Commodities: DairyApproximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
The Mid-Atlantic Conservation Innovation Fund Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will help expand climate-smart markets and address climate-smart plans and practices for hundreds of dairy producers and will provide an on-ramp and serve as a catalyst for additional state and private capital to bolster the implementation of whole farm plans.
Lead Partner: The Conservation Innovation Fund
Other Major Partners: Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, South Mountain Creamery, Stroud Water Research Center, Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, TeamAg, RedBarn Consulting, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Primary States Expected: PA, VA, MD
Major Commodities: Dairy, Beef, ForageApproximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Building the Climate-Smart Wood Economy
This project brings together Tribal, small family forest, and nonprofit wood producers with data scientists and the design and construction industry to manage and restore tens of thousands of acres in Oregon. The project will quantify the positive impacts of climate-smart management on carbon sequestration, wildfire intensity, and cultural values, and will also build resources for project teams to navigate climate-smart markets for wood procurement through pre-design, design, and construction phases and support sale. Carbon impacts of climate-smart timber purchasing is planned to be estimated by comparing the difference in carbon intensity for participating landowners against regional benchmarks of the carbon intensity of commodity timber production from industrial forestlands. Forest biomass and carbon stocks are planned to be measured using satellite imagery. A simple user-friendly web application is also planned to be scoped and developed to deliver carbon impact metrics per unit of roundwood which can then be converted into carbon impacts for specific end-products. The project work plans to recognize and make accessible the entirety of the Pacific Northwest climate-smart timber supply chain, track and trace the flow of fiber from source forests, through mills and processing, and into ten construction projects. To allow the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) community to differentiate between wood products based on forest carbon and associated ecosystem impacts, the project plans to build a simple, user-friendly web application that covers the contiguous U.S. This tool is planned to be designed with input from the intended end users, the AEC community, to ensure meeting their needs and providing them with an easy to use solution. In addition, contract payments to sawmills is planned to drive participation to grow transparency and data about log supply, as well as offer price premiums for sales of climate-smart wood to an interested buyer. Landowner sales incentives are planned to offer a premium to landowners for selling their wood to a participating sawmill. Producer payments are planned to focus on tribal partners, supporting culturally informed forest restoration work that partners would like to pursue on ancestral lands. Ecotrust also plans to engage in technical assistance and co-production of forest impact assessment deep dives involving Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV) activities with several tribes. These deep dives will characterize embodied carbon and other quantifiable impacts associated with tribal forest management. The intent of these deep dives is to increase tribal capacity and readiness to engage in marketing of tribal timber as a climate-smart commodity.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: EcoTrust*,**, Northwest Natural Resources Group*,**, Trout Mountain Forestry*,**, Vibrant Planet Data Commons*,**, Washington Conservation Action*,**, Virbrant Planet Public Benefit Corporation*,**, Pierce Conservation District*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
- 22 Projects with Approximate Funding Ceilings from $5M-$20M
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Growing the Supply and Market for Climate-Smart Grass-Fed Organic Dairy via Maple Hill Creamery
This project will expand climate-smart markets for dairy producers and enable a network of partners and producers to implement climate-smart practices by incentivizing implementation and providing training support. This will lead to greater environmental practices and enhanced viability for farms that implement them. The project plans to provide participants incentives for Avoided Conversion, Pasture Scoring, Training and Voluntary participation. Marketing plans include updated branding materials like packaging, advertising, social media and a website. The project plans to utilize a combination of core tools: COMET, a Pasture Scorecard, on-farm soil sampling, and third-party soil health measurements. The monitoring, measurement, and reporting is planned to be led by a technical expert with third-party verification and soil is planned to be sampled utilizing the soil sampling framework developed by partners. The project plans to update all branding materials, including the website, packaging, advertising, and social media to draw attention to climate-smart farming efforts and CO2 impacts to draw and expand upon consumer desire to support Climate-Smart grass-fed organic products – milk for yogurt, butter, and kefir. The project provides a number of incentives, including Avoided Conversion Incentive payments, Voluntary Incentive payments, Pasture Scoring incentives and Training incentives.
Lead Partner: Maple Hill Creamery LLC
Other Major Partners: Dharma Lea, LLC*,**, Paul Harris Development, LLC*, Stone Barns*, Point Blue Conservation Science, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA)*, Open TEAM at Wolfe’s Neck Center, Shannon O'Sullivan, K&O Farm, James Young, Amber Waves, Spring Weather, Serenity Acres Farm, Evening Star Ranch, Reginelli and Aeschlimann, Adam Tafel, Periggo Farm, Whole Foods
Primary States Expected: NY
Major Commodities: Dairy, Specialty Grains, Oilseeds
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Growing Value for Producers
This project will create and pilot-test a farmer-friendly system that builds capacity with institutions interacting with a range of producers, including underserved producers, to support adoption of climate- smart practices and interact with commodity buyers in climate-smart markets.
Lead Partner: Winrock International Institute for Agriculture Development
Other Major Partners: Arva Intelligence, Blue Raster, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Riceland Foods Inc
Primary States Expected: AR, MO, Tribal
Major Commodities: Rice, BeefApproximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
National Pork Board's Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value Proposal
The goal of this project is to increase the sustainability of U.S. pork products by advancing climate-smart agriculture practices within the feed supply, thereby maintaining market demand and price premiums in a rapidly evolving consumer world. The geography of focus – Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri – encapsulates a concentration of pork facilities supported by local grain production, representing a key region of the overall supply chain. Planned practices include cover crops, livestock integration in cover crops and manure management. The project plans to offer participants, including small-scale and underserved producers, free initial soil testing, technical assistance from partner agronomists, cost-share for practice adoption and tuition or scholarships for participating producers to attend advanced soil health training workshops through peer-to-peer networking.
The proposal plans to deploy an Sustainable Environmental Consultant's Ecosystem Practices software platform which uses the COMET-Farm GHG tool and Nutrient Tracking Tool for estimating Soil Organic Carbon stock changes, Nitrogen Oxide emissions, and nutrient and sediment losses, and use soil sampling to benchmark results. The project plans to utilize a number of processes to ensure adoption of practices, including precision farm data, work orders, seed purchase receipts, tagged images, remote sensed analytics, on-farm field inspection, and GHG results are planned to be aggregated from a field basis to the required spatial domain and will be delivered through dashboards and reports. Once published the quantified GHG benefits of U.S. pork and all the continuous sustainability improvement information derived through this project may be used by many entities, organizations and companies marketing pork globally. The project plans to support farmers to market their climate-smart commodities in a manner that best suits their production system and individual operation goals, empowering and incentivizing continuous improvement over the long-term (even after the grant is complete) including if they choose maturing environmental offset markets while also providing communications capacity to engage both producers (supply) and end-of-supply chain consumers (demand) in marketing resulting commodities and potential value-added. Priority ranking is planned for small and underserved producers. Technical and financial assistance, will include 1) Free initial soil test and baseline reporting 2) Free Technical Assistance (TA) from DU agronomy, SEC staff, and Millborn seed optimization specialist 3) Cost-share payments for CSA practice adoption 4) funded opportunities for participating producers to attend an advanced soil health training workshop (peer-peer networking).Lead Partner: National Pork Board**
Other Major Partners: Nestle, Sustainable Environmental Consultants, Ducks Unlimited*, Trust in Food (Farm Journal), Farm Credit Council**, Millborn Seed*, Nastrade**
Primary States Expected: IA, MN, MO
Major Commodities: Pork, Soybeans, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Building Soil, Building Equity: Accelerating a Regenerative Farming Movement in Appalachia and the Southeast
This project seeks to build climate-smart markets and sequester carbon over thousands of acres of Appalachian and rural southeastern land through strategic recruitment from networks of producers. The project will use education, outreach, technical assistance, and incentivizing producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture.
Lead Partner: Accelerating Appalachia
Other Major Partners: National Center for Appropriate Technologies, Kentucky State University, Working Trees from Stanford University’s TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy, Carbon Harvest
Primary States Expected: GA, KY, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Row Crops, BeefApproximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Forest to Home
This project seeks to convert industrial timber and traditional forest product manufacturing to a BIPOC-owned supply chain for residential/commercial construction. The project will educate early adopters in forestry, tribes, black, and rural communities on benefits of climate-smart forest practices to maximize carbon sequestration. Timber harvested will be used to build housing units for underserved communities.
Lead Partner: Forterra NW
Other Major Partners: Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Yakama Nation, Quinault Tribe of Indians, El Centro de la Raza, Abu Bakr Islamic Center, RJ Group, Aspect Structural Engineers, Gordian Knot Strategies, Sustainable Northwest, Zaugg and Whitehorse Timber, Snohomish County, Town of Darrington, Port of Portland, Roslyn Downtown Assoc, Town of Hamilton, City of Tacoma, Amazon, Microsoft, X-Caliber Rural Credit
Primary States Expected: WA
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest ProductsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and underserved producers. Elevated plans to leverage its marketing and branding expertise to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers reach customers in multiple sectors from farmer’s markets to global retailers. Materials planned include branded stickers, bags and boxes, and social media promotion.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods Inc
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag, Soil Health Academy, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak, Regenified, Synoptek
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Apples, Grapes, Fruits and VegetablesApproximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty CropsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
A Vibrant Future: Pilot Projects for Climate-Smart Fruit and Vegetable Production, Marketing, and Valuation of Ecosystem Services
This project will incentivize growers of specialty crops to adopt climate-smart production using practices like tillage management, alley cropping, water management and soil amendments, in order to establish consumer-driven climate-smart markets for fruits and vegetables grown using climate-smart practices. The project aims to develop tools for marketing climate-smart commodities that will be suitable for specialty crop growers, and could be adoptable by the larger ag industry. This would include a consumer-focused “climate-smart seal” to be affixed to fruits and vegetables and/or traceable and tradeable “climate-smart benefits bundles (CSBB)” that growers can use in financial transactions.
Lead Partner: International Fresh Produce Association
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, CropTrak, Frehner-Jens Consulting, Clark McDowall Brand Architecture Company, Alcorn State University, Measure to Improve, LLC, MS Small Farm and Agribusiness Center at Alcorn State, Alamo Farms, Bayer, Bland Farms, Bolthouse Farms, Calavo, Campbell Soup Company, Del-Monte, Driscoll's, Limoneira, Monterey Pacific, Noble Produce Holdings, Sun Pacific
Primary States Expected: AL, CA, FL, GA, LA
Major Commodities: Berries, Grapes, Fruits and VegetablesApproximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
NCBA CLUSA USDA NRCS CSC Proposal Narrative – Puerto Rico
This project will lead a consortium of cooperatives, farmer organizations, and minority serving institutions in Puerto Rico that will offer financial incentives to underserved farmers to adopt climate- smart agriculture and forestry practices for production of coffee and other commodities, building climate-smart markets. The project plans to implement a wide variety of on-the-ground climate-smart practices including reduced tillage, strip-tillage, biochar amendments, and cover crops. The project aims to increase resilience for smallholders Puerto Rican coffee farmers, their families, and their communities by increasing the diversification of crops grown in Multi-story Perennial Cropping systems. Given that Puerto Ricans rely on imports for more than 85% their food supply, farmers’ ability to expand into citrus, plantains, bananas, cacao, and other crops for local and for home consumption would have significant economic and food security benefits. Due to limitation of USDA’s COMET Planner in PR, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or other U.S. Territories, the project plans to use the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) Carbon Calculator (http://afolucarbon.org). Developed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Winrock International, the AFOLU Carbon Calculator (ACC) uses Intergovernmental Panel on Climate CO2 Change (IPCC)-based accounting methods to assess and quantify sequestration potential of a range of AFOLU practices, including agroforestry, cropland management, and grazing land management. Third-party verifier SustainCERT plans to verify the greenhouse gas benefits generated by the project and its associated processes. NCBA CLUSA plans to work with several commodity buyers to market CSCs produced through this pilot project (large market chains, National Restaurant Association, hospitality sector, and McDonalds). The PRFA has a “100% Puerto Rico” seal it uses for locally produced products and has agreed to extend the seal for 100% PR Climate-Smart Coffee for differentiation. The project also plans to engage Rainforest Alliance, a leading third-party certifier for certification of CSAF coffee for export to external markets. Beyond the quantifiable benefits to farmers’ bottom lines, the diversification of crops grown in Multi-story Perennial Cropping systems would increase resilience for smallholders Puerto Rican coffee farmers, their families, and their communities. Given that Puerto Ricans rely on imports for more than 85% their food supply, farmers’ ability to expand into citrus, plantains, bananas, cacao, and other crops for local and for home consumption would have significant economic and food security benefits. PROCAFÉ estimates that this project would enroll thousands of coffee farmers in PR (where the vast majority of producers are underserved).
Lead Partner: Cooperative League of the United States of America
Other Major Partners: Productores de Café de Puerto Rico*, University of Puerto Rico*, National Co+op Grocers, Fondo de Inversión y Desarrollo Cooperativo, La Liga de Cooperativas de Puerto Rico*, Puerto Rico Farmers Association, SustainCERT*
Primary States Expected: PR
Major Commodities: Coffee, Citrus, Plantains, Bananas, Cacao, Lumber
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
SmartAgGro Pilot Program Provides Technical and Builds Partnership Markets to America’s Climate-Smart Farmers, Ranchers, & Forest Owners to Strengthen U.S. Rural and Agricultural Communities
This project will implement a scalable climate-smart marketing strategy to assist underserved farmers in Mississippi Congressional District 2 to adopt climate-smart practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in production of beef and other products. This project aims to apply cover crops, low till/no till, nutrient management, buffers, feed management, grazing plans and manure management. The project plans to provide marketing training to participating farmers to help them develop marketing strategies and retrain higher farm-to-consumer margins by identifying both wholesale and retail markets and effective promotion and advertising. Partners plan to work with Historical Black Colleges and Universities to reach their networks of underserved growers.
Lead Partner: Vanguard (OTE) Consortium
Other Major Partners: Alcorn State University, Jackson State University, Rust College, Mississippi Valley State University, Cindy Ayers, Amerimac Chemical Corp
Primary States Expected: MS
Major Commodities: Beef, Soybeans, Corn, Forage, PorkApproximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Industrial Hemp for Fiber and Grain (Finalized)
This project aims to expand climate-smart markets and remedy lack of available data on environmentally beneficial practices for hemp production by providing open-accessible data and training and enabling monetization of climate-smart practices through a pilot designation in a digital marketplace. Additionally, this project develops an inclusive workforce that specializes in implementation of climate-smart practices by engaging underserved producers and financially supporting them as they learn these practices. Project plans to provide participating underserved producers an incentive payment, technical assistance, marketing assistance, and the revenue from the climate-smart hemp produced. Planned practices include cover crops and nutrient management.
Lead Partner: Iconoclast Industries, LLC
Other Major Partners: Cedar Meadow Farm LLC, University of Florida, Stockton University, Florida Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, SB Friedman Development Advisors, M4MM, Canndigenous, EntreVation LLC, Legacy Farms Group, Delta Agriculture, Auredia, Validere, Bravo Logistics, Highway Vodka
Available States: CO, FL, NE, NY, OK, PA, TX, VA, WI
Major Commodities: Hemp
Agreement Amount: $15,000,000
Fischer Farms Ultimate Beef Strategy
This project aims to generate knowledge of carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions for the Fischer Farms beef production system, to inform future business decisions, and to generate science- based marketing tools that will enable buyers to actively participate in climate-positive purchasing and eating decisions. The project will include livestock producers, and it will support Fischer Farms’ market expansion into other areas. The project will utlilize Dual Comb Laser Technology for measuring all greenhouse gas benefits. Rigorous sampling, first-of-a-kind monitoring, and innovative analysis will lead to a new science-based understanding of the potential to deliver beef to the market that is truly a climate-smart commodity. This novel laser technology is planned to measure methane and other greenhouse gases at both the barn lots and pasture settings at Fischer Farms network farms. This approach will provide detailed measurements of beef cattle GHG emissions on pasture and allow for the quantification of the impacts of algae feed supplement on reducing methane emissions with the Ultimate Beef production system. The research plan entails 1) relevant data collection and analysis of the Ultimate Beef system, 2) implementation of USDA’s COMET-Farm and IFSM modeling tools, and 3) development of an ISO-compliant Life Cycle Assessment to calculate the GWP benefits of Ultimate Beef relative to the conventional US system. A marketing manager and sales team will develop and execute the Climate-Smart marketing campaign with a goal of educating consumers on the impact of climate-smart meet and their purchasing decisions. They will leverage on-line platforms, and print advertising as well as partner with whole-sale buyers. Project activities will involve expansion of marketing in Indiana, Cincinnati, OH, and Louisville, KY. With an existing network of more than 100 diversified, small, veteran, beginning, BIPOC and other underserved producers committed to the brand, Fischer Farms Ultimate Beef ensures fair pay and equitable representation for farmers and workers in the value chain. Additionally, the project will provide a critical opportunity for market access to a network of small and underserved farmers who would otherwise be challenged to verify and enter climate-smart market channels. Special emphasis will be placed on expanding the network of farmers in underserved areas.
Lead Partner: Fischer Farms Natural Foods, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Indiana University*, Carbon Solutions*
Primary States Expected: IN, KY
Major Commodities: Beef, Pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale
This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and expanding climate-smart markets and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC
Other Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Primary States Expected: Nationwide
Major Commodities: Beef, GrassApproximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Developing Climate-Smart Grain Markets in the Mid-South through Diverse Partnerships and a Farming-Systems Approach to Practice Integration to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
This project seeks to demonstrate the viability of growing climate-smart (CS) grains that are sold to poultry feed operations. This project will develop a pilot program for grain producers to utilize multiple climate-smart practices to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. The pilot program includes a monitoring /verification system, local climate-smart market opportunity for direct sale, and tracking CS grain to broiler operations. Soil sampling and GHG emissions monitoring is planned to be conducted on a subset of the incentivized acres and the data will be utilized to refine a generalized regional scale model of estimated suitability for climate smart systems and prediction of benefits. Verified GHG emissions reports and ownership of verified emission reductions is planned to be directly provided to producers as the owners. The project plans to establish a direct market for sale of climate-smart grains through partnerships with local poultry industries who source grain as a key feed ingredient. Historically underserved producers are planned to receive a 15% higher payment to incentivize climate smart practice implementation. The project plans for 50% of annual producer enrollment and incentive payments to be directed to minority or underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Mississippi State University**
Other Major Partners: Southern Ag Services, Inc.*, University of Arkansas*.**, Conservation Solutions LLC*, Alcorn State University*,**
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, LA, MS
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Poultry
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Sonoma Marin Ag and County Climate Coalition
This project will build on successful carbon farming and local/regional food systems partnerships across two counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. The purpose is to expand climate-smart markets, including a regional supply chain and innovative marketing campaign for climate-smart agricultural products. This will create a scalable, regional carbon finance program that is sustainable and scale implementation for the long term. The project plans to provide at least 75 percent of project costs for participants, with a special round of funding for underserved and small-scale producers. The planned marketing strategy includes producer stories, interactive marketing campaign, climate-smart badge and educational farm tours.
Lead Partner: County of Sonoma
Other Major Partners: Agricultural Institute of Marin, Marin Resource Conservation District, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District, Sonoma Resource Conservation District, Carbon Cycle Institute, Sonoma County Department of Agriculture, Sonoma County Regional Climate, Protection Authority Marin Agricultural Land Trust, UC Cooperative Extension Marin, UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma, MarinCAN, Marin County Sustainability Team, Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Marin County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measure, Marin County Cooperation Team, Sanzuma, and LookInto
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Grapes, Fruit Trees, Vegetables, Beef, Dairy, Fiber, Aquaculture, Nursery stock, Specialty CropsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
AGriCapture Climate-Friendly Rice
This project will benefit climate-smart farmers in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, and California while expanding climate-smart rice markets and guaranteeing a supply of climate-smart rice to customers. All farms will be certified under the ACFRS. This project plans direct incentive payment to producers for climate-smart practice implementation and identity preserved storage and potential crop premiums for producers who develop their own processing capabilities and markets. Planned practices include: alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigated rice, reduced burning of rice stubble, early incorporation of rice stubble into the soil, and various techniques for improving nitrogen fertilizer efficiency.
Lead Partner: AgriCapture, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Univ. of MO, Cedar Woods Consulting, Agri Process Innovation, Regrow, Deveron, Dainty Foods, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Blue Apron, McKaskle Family Farm, Arknsas River Rice Mill, Anheuser-Busch, Rerout Marketing
Primary States Expected: AR, CA, LA, MS, MO, TX
Major Commodities: RiceApproximate Funding Ceiling: $7,500,000
Sustainable Market Approaches for Regenerating Territories with Agricultural Goods in Puerto Rico
The project will support and empower smallholder coffee farmers in Puerto Rico to transition to climate- smart agriculture and forestry practices through identification of viable practices and support for their implementation on farms. The project will also account of greenhouse gas-related benefits and co- benefits throughout the supply chain and develop of a unique Puerto Rican branded climate-smart coffee label and voluntary program. This project plans to focus on implementing agroforestry and afforestration practices on working lands, application of biochar as a soil amendment and multi-story cropping. Caribbean Regenerative Community Development(CRCD), Gnarly Tree Sustainable Institute (GTSI), and University of Wisconsin plan to co-establish the MMRV plan and local monitoring teams, coordinate baseline and follow-up data collection, build databases useful for the implementation of COMET-Planner and iTree on agricultural lands in PR, and engage with local universities to support student research opportunities and data collection; this task would encompass field monitoring, primarily through soil sampling and testing, as well as the development of lifecycle carbon accounting methodologies. The team also plans to evaluate MMRV methodologies that may support participants’ entry into carbon markets. CRCD and GTSI plan to partner to develop a climate-smart certification brand for Puerto Rican coffee and chocolate. CRCD’s marketing specialist plan to spearhead the development of the name and tagline, design a climate-smart certification that is in line with or exceeds third party certification standards, develop the brand story, provide product validation of the name, language, and design in both Spanish and English, create a brand website and social media starter kit, and launch a brand activation program to generate interest and excitement in PR’s premium quality, ethical, and sustainable coffee; GTSI and CRCD plan to ensure the climate-smart certification is in line with or exceeds third party certification standards and lead outreach and recruitment efforts with farmers. A woman-led 501(c)(3) non-profit founded and based in Puerto Rico that supports the development of sustainable agriculture and food security on the island plans to focus on small and underserved coffee producers in Puerto Rico.
Lead Partner: Caribbean Regenerative Community Development, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Gnarly Tree Sustainability Institute*,**, University of Wisconsin*, Cafiesencia (Cafi-Cultura Puertorriqueña, Inc)*,**, University of Puerto Rico
Primary States Expected: PR
Major Commodities: Coffee, Cacao
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,500,000
Demonstration, Expansion, and Quantification of the Benefits of a Climate-Smart Commodity: Verified Regenerative Bison Products
The project will develop a demonstration program on tribal lands, implementing and expanding multiple climate-smart markets and practices in production of American bison, and will showcase the benefits of regenerative bison production to rangeland, ranchers, and climate. It will also create a new entity to maintain standards of regenerative bison production, track climate benefits and payment for those benefits through the supply chain, and establish consumer trust. This project plans to support planting riparian areas, transitioning from crop land to native grass for bison grazing and native grass inter-seeding of existing pasture. A bison markets specialist plans to focus on a full “hoof to horn” utilization to sell multiple products including specialty cuts, ground bison, hides and bone meal. A bison-specific verification program is planned to provide the basis for market differentiation and added value.
Lead Partner: Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
Other Major Partners: Frasier Bison LLC, the Earthshot Institute, Mad Agriculture, Eastern Shoshone Tribal Buffalo Program, Intertribal Buffalo Council
Primary States Expected: Tribal, Oklahoma,
Major Commodities: BisonApproximate Funding Ceiling: $7,000,000
This pilot project will support expansion of climate-smart markets and implementation of climate-smart practices to augment conservation Best Management Practices and generate reference data to support development of regionally optimized ecosystem services models. The geographic focus of this project (CO, NE, WY, MT) has naturally low basal soil organic carbon, which means greater sequestration potential.
Lead Partner: The Western Sugar Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Crow Tribe, University of Nebraska, Panhandle Research and Extension Center; Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion, University of Wyoming; Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center; Colorado State University
Primary States Expected: CO, MT, NE, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: SugarbeetsApproximate Funding Ceiling: $6,000,000
Scaling Up the Industrial Hemp Supply Chain as Carbon Negative Feedstock for Fuel and Fiber
This project will help with commercializing and marketing climate-smart hemp crops while driving soil carbon sequestration and climate resilience. The project aims to provide effective valuation and monetization of environmental services, including carbon dioxide removal via implementation of new genetics and management practices to increase sustainability of hemp as an annual crop in the U.S. The project plans to support small-scale, minority and other underserved farmers by paying producer license fees, incentives and seed costs. Partners are planning Climate-Smart marketing and technical feasibility studies. Leaf and soil samples will be collected from farm sites. The project plans to use data collection to verify satisfactory model performance of various computer simulation models used to manage natural resources [e.g., COMET-Farm, DayCent, The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and The Agricultural Policy / Environmental eXtender (APEX)]. Marketing feasibility studies and technical feasibility studies are planned to be conducted during the Climate Smart grant study to determine the scale and location of the plants.The project plans to pre-contract and identity preserve crops. The project plans to support small and minority and underrepresented farmers by paying producer license fees, incentives and seed costs.
Lead Partner: Lincoln University
Other Major Partners: National Hemp Association, Kansas Farmers Union, Missouri Farmers Union*, Missouri Organic Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People*, Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Oklahoma Farmers Union, ShowMe State Hemp Association, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Donald Danforth Plant Science Research Center*, Oklahoma State University*, Prairie View A&M Univ.*, St. Louis Univ.*, Southeast Missouri State Univ., Univ. of Missouri*, Benchmark Design, Cquester Analytics, DTE Materials, HempWood, Midwest Natural Fiber*, New West Genetics*, REA Resource Recovery Systems, Rockwater, Renaissance Fiber, The GIC Group*
Primary States Expected: MO (and CO, OK, TX for test plots only)
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $5,000,000
- 71 Projects with Approximate Funding Ceilings of $250,000 to Under $5 Million
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Piloting Agroforestry in the Adirondack North Country: Producing Climate-Smart Commodities and Promoting Carbon Sequestration
This project plans to focus primarily on women-owned businesses and farming operations and develop a regional Adirondack climate-smart brand for marketing commodities as part of these systems. The project plans to support and monitor the climate benefits of three agroforestry practices: riparian buffers, cropland reforestation and silvopasture. Producers would receive technical assistance including tailored agroforestry plans and practice inputs such as tree seedling and shelters.
Lead Partner: Adirondack North Country Association
Other Major Partners: Interlace Agroforestry LLC, Mace Chasm Farm, North Country Creamery, Wild Work Farm, Sugar House Creamery, Barred Owl Brook Farm, Ananta Farm, Blue Pepper Farm, Fledging Crow Vegetables
Primary States Expected: NY
Major Commodities: Timber, Dairy, Sheep, Nuts and Berries
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $560,000A Multi-Faceted Approach to Incentivizing Woody Perennial Growers to Establish Cover Crops in Orchards in Four Diverse Regions of the United States
Through this project, producers with orchards would receive financial incentives and technical assistance to incorporate cover crops into their operations. Project partners plan to help market these climate-smart fruits and nuts in areas that typically have less access to fresh food. About one-third of the project participants would be smaller-sized operations and partners plan to work to include minority owned orchards.
Lead Partner: Agoro Carbon Alliance US, Inc
Other Major Partners: Agoro Carbon Alliance, California Walnut Board and Commission, GO Seed, Padilla, FoodMinds
Primary States Expected: CA, WA, OR, MI, FL
Major Commodities: Fruits and Nuts
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,800,000Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Historically underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute , Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Primary States Expected: CA, IN, TX, MT and Nationwide
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Improving Forest Carbon Sequestration and Storage by Establishing Supply Chains for Low-Quality Wood Material and Incentivizing Sustainable Forestry Practices
This project pilots an incentives program to advance sustainable climate-smart forest management and create additional low-quality climate-smart wood market supply chains. Nearly every participant would be small scale or underserved, who would receive direct payments for retaining larger and higher quality trees. The project's partners would market the resulting climate-smart commodities, leveraging their well-established working relationships with buyers who require the low-quality wood material.
Lead Partner: AMRO United Corporation
Other Major Partners: LBS Ecological, Green Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services, Future Forest Management, Craver Logging, Welch Logging, Sawtooth Forestry
Primary States Expected: NY, VT, NJ, MA, CT, PA
Major Commodities: Timber & Forests, wood products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,800,000Climate-SMART (Specific Management for Arizona Resilience and Transformation) Agriculture Best Management Practices
Participants in this Arizona-based project would be paid to apply climate-smart practices that reduce pesticide and fertilizer inputs; reduce tillage, use diverse cover crop, rest pastures and use rotational grazing. The project would emphasize cross cultural knowledge sharing between Native American producers and other participants and would market climate-smart commodities through partnership networks.
Lead Partner: Arizona Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance, Arizona State University Kyl Center for Water Policy, ASU Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, ASU School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, ASU Global Institute of Sustainability, University of Arizona; Local First Arizona, Duncan Family Farms, Pinnacle Prevention, Soil Health Institute, Northern Arizona University, Organic Trade Association
Primary States Expected: Tribal; Arizona
Major Commodities: Organic crops and livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000Developing Climate-Smart Agriculture and Markets Amongst Socially-Disadvantaged, Limited-Resource, and Urban Farmers in Ohio and Michigan
This project would combine monitoring, outreach, and technical support to foster the adoption of climate-smart practices by minority vegetable and beef cattle farmers socially disadvantaged and limited resource farmers of Ohio and southern Michigan. It also creates synergy between climate-smart feedlot operations and socially disadvantaged farmers. Project partners plan to recruit minority vegetable and beef cattle farmers and selected Central State University students who would receive additional training on climate-smart agriculture. Small-scale and urban vegetable farmers enrolled in this project would receive funds to cover part of their operating costs.
Lead Partner: Central State University
Other Major Partners: Ohio State University, A & B Porteus, Southeast Michigan Producers Association (SEMPA), Wilmington College
Primary States Expected: OH, MI
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000Climate-Smart Commodities and Market Development within the Chickasaw Nation: Restoring Power to Small Farmers and Communities Through Pecan and Specialty Crop Engagement
Participating farmers would receive incentives for climate-smart practices, including reducing chemical applications on pecan trees and conversion of pastures to multiple species of native grasses. Through this project, the Chickasaw Nation plans to work with native pecan aggregators to divide verified climate-smart native pecans from non-verified native pecans. These pecans would be sourced to sale for any industry interested in climate-smart pecans and to local consumers.
Lead Partner: Chickasaw Nation
Other Major Partners: Murray State College, Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association, Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Primary States Expected: Tribal, OK
Major Commodities: Pecans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,977,000Launching The North Valley Food Hub for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project plans to work collaboratively with regional small and historically underserved producers to launch the North Valley Food Hub for Climate-Smart Agriculture. The Hub plans to provide farm-to-fork integration through marketing and sales support for project climate-smart commodities by consolidating transaction costs, creating a one-stop shopping platform for buyers and a marketplace for growers to post and promote their products. The project plans to support producers in implementing a variety of climate-smart cover crops; no-till or minimum-till practices; nutrient management; enhanced efficiency fertilizers; planting for high carbon sequestration rates; and soil amendments. An incentive payment is planned to be offered for each producer implementing an advanced practice.
Lead Partner: Chico State Enterprises
Other Major Partners: Butte County Farm Bureau; North State Hulling Cooperative, Douglass Ranch; GRUB Farms; Chico State Organic Vegetable Project, Chico State Basic Needs Hungry Wildcat Pantry
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Almonds, walnuts, rice, tomatoes, peaches, prunes
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,800Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Primary States Expected: IA, MN, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, WI, VT, VA, SD, ND, NY, NJ
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000Building Profitability for Underserved Producers with a Pipeline of Land Access, Regenerative Agriculture, and Market Development
This project aims to provide resettled refugees access to low- or no-cost land and technical assistance to create scalable and profitable agricultural small businesses through the creation of demand for commodities produced using climate-smart practices. Project plans for farmers to use cover crops, buffer strips, improved wetlands, and other climate-smart practices. These producers would also receive technical assistance and engagement, translation assistance for non-English speakers, modeling of climate-smart practices, financial resources, and market access through partner organizations.
Lead Partner: Dalla Terra Ranch Foundation
Other Major Partners: In Harmony Farm, Lutheran Services of Iowa Global Greens, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Small Farm Land Access Program, Iowa State University Agronomy Department, Iowa International Center, CultivateAI, Fareway Food Stores, Food Bank of Iowa, and Des Moines Area Religious Council
Primary States Expected: IA
Major Commodities: fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $271,200Improving Access to Grazing Resources for Native American Farmers and Ranchers
Native American farmers and ranchers would receive technical assistance and education, and at least $1 million in direct payments to support the adoption of climate-smart practices like rotational grazing and planting of native grasses. Partners plan to assist participants with validating greenhouse gas emission reductions and marketing climate-smart commodities, including creating marketable emission offsets or credits.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal Agricultural Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farm Journal Foundation, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, and the Yield Lab Institute
Primary States Expected: Tribal, FL, MT, OK
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,925,000Production and Application of Biochar in Agricultural Practices at Small and Underserved Farms: Soil Enhancement, Carbon Sequestration, and promoting Climate-Smart Commodities
This project, led by minority serving university Florida A&M, plans to develop biochar-based climate-smart practices and technologies that may be implemented on farms, especially on underserved farms, and to market the resulting climate-smart commodities. In addition to free training and consulting, the producers are planned to receive a financial stimulus per acre of farmland used to implement climate-smart practices using biochar such as soil amendment, water infiltration and manure composting. Partner institutes and companies plan to contract with the landowners and producers to purchase some of the resulting commodities for research, product development, and food manufacturing purposes.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of California, Davis; Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability, Current foods, Florida Food Products, LLC., New North Florida Cooperative, California Almond Board, International Fresh Produce Association
Primary States Expected: PA, VA, MA, SC, GA, FL, AL, CA, OR
Major Commodities: Legumes, leafy green vegetables, hemp, citrus
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,855,000A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Impact of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa) and Soil Microalgae Consortium (Chlorella spp and Scenedesmus spp) as High-Efficiency Carbon Sequestration Model Plants: Implications for Climate Change and Soil Improvement
Industrial hemp for fiber would be cultivated and marketed in the southeastern United States as a high efficiency carbon sequestration and a climate-smart commodity crop. The project plans to provide financial assistance to small and/or underserved farmers to implement Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. The National Hemp Growers Cooperative, LLC (NHGC) would engage industry partners to create markets for processing industrial hemp into several climate-smart commodities. While developing markets for farmers, the NHGC plan to buy all industrial hemp from all farmers during the duration the grant.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Alabama A&M University, Southern University, University of Florida (UF-IFAS)
Primary States Expected: AL, FL, LA
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,990,000BEACON Pilot: Farmers Guiding Farmers Towards Climate Smart Agriculture
This project plans to advance equity by minimizing transaction costs and addressing cultural dynamics for Black and indigenous producers by using a farmer-to-farmer collaborative training approach. Farmers would define culturally appropriate product labels, and partners would work to increase market access, specifically through marketing the value-add of using climate-smart practices like cover crops, no-till, tree planting and prescribed grazing.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, the Tallahassee Food Network, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Organic Farmers Association, Women Food and Agriculture Network, the Earth’s Garden Network
Primary States Expected: GA, FL, AL, AR, OK, TX
Major Commodities: Specialty and organic crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000Foodshed Small Farm Distro and Resource Hub Climate-Smart Incentive Pilot
The Climate-Smart Incentive Pilot would generate economic opportunities and provide direct incentives to small and socially disadvantaged specialty crop farmers in San Diego County for improving soil health through compost application, reduced tillage and tree/shrub establishment and quantifying GHG reductions. Project partners plan to address equity by reducing barriers caused by language, and limited access to equipment and information.
Lead Partner: Foodshed, Inc
Other Major Partners: Community Health Improvement Partners' Farm to Institution Center, County of San Diego Department of Health, Southern California Resource Conservation District, Zero Foodprint, Johnny's Selected Seeds, and San Diego Food System Alliance
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Fruit, vegetables and specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Preparing Wisconsin’s Farmers for a Climate-Smart Market
This project would advance climate-smart commodity market development by providing direct financial and technical assistance and incentives to support for implementation of climate-smart production. Minority underserved farmers who manage microfarms focused on selling products direct to consumer, through local farm to table restaurants or farmers market can develop a niche climate-smart milk market for selling healthier, higher quality milk at a premium.
Lead Partner: Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Inc
Other Major Partners: Wisconsin Farmers Union, Pheasants Forever, Outagamie County Land Conservation, Land Cares, Brickstead Dairy, LLC, Deer Run Dairy, LLC, Seven Oaks, LLC
Primary States Expected: WI
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,994,000Reviving the Chestnut: The Climate-Smart Crop
Participants, including underserved and minority farmers, would be reimbursed for costs associated with establishing and initially maintaining carbon smart chestnut orchards. The project partners would promote the carbon reduction practices implemented through this project and market the specially-branded chestnuts produced by members as a premium “Climate-Smart” food that can reduce consumers’ impact on climate change.
Lead Partner: Georgia Alabama Land Trust
Other Major Partners: The University of Georgia Cooperative Agricultural Extension, Carbon Farmer LLC, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (HBCU), Pippin Farms, Ray Griffin, Willie Jones, Southern Farmers Collaborative Group
Primary States Expected: GA
Major Commodities: Chestnuts
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,980,000Cover Crop Seed Production Grown with Climate-Smart Wheat
In partnership with Tribal leaders from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, this project would provide financial and technical support to Tribal farmers to grow cover crop seed into wheat fallow systems with adequate precipitation. GO Seed plans to purchase the climate-smart cover crop seed from participating farmers and sell it to distributors removing a financial barrier to producers that would otherwise reduce participation in growing cover crop seed. Markets would be cultivated and expanded through existing relationships with millers and exporters. All wheat marketed would have a “Climate-Smart Wheat” seal on the purchasing paperwork.
Lead Partner: Grassland Oregon
Other Major Partners: Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR); Intertribal Agriculture Council; Northwest Grain Growers; Agoro Carbon Alliance; Ace Connect LLC; Soil Health Institute; Oregon Wheat Commission, OR Wheat Grower’s League; Oregon Climate and Agriculture Network; Shoshone-Bannock Agri-Business Corp
Primary States Expected: ID, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Wheat; cover crop seed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,722,000Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers
All pilot participants would be paid a stipend to cover time spent on climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design. Each farm would also have access to incentive payments, dependent on their emissions reductions and specific implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. A Greener World plans to provide customized marketing support to all project producers. Partners would ensure all outreach and technical assistance efforts are culturally-relevant and would assist producers in becoming Certified Regenerative which allows them to access new climate-smart markets and sell commodities for a higher premium.
Lead Partner: Greener World
Other Major Partners: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, Sub-contractor/Evaluation Partner, Soil Health Institute (SHI), National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), National Co-op Grocers (NCG) Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA)
Primary States Expected: AR, GA, MO, MS, NC, SC, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Beef, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,000,000Climate-Smart Organic Egg Project
This project would work with underserved, Amish and Mennonite producers to expand organic pasture-raised egg farming, inspire and educate consumers, and grow the demand for and expand the market for climate-smart egg products. Regenerative practices include manure and nutrient management, pasture enhancements, tree and shrub establishment and cover crops. Handsome Brook Farms plans to work with partners and retailers to develop labeling and sales opportunities to promote climate-smart organic pasture-raised eggs, a new climate-smart U.S. niche market.
Lead Partner: Handsome Brook Farms, LLC
Other Major Partners: Handsome Brook Farms, Costco Inc, Organic Voices, Grow Well Consulting, Curva and Associates LLC, University of Kentucky, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, NY Stern Center for sustainable business, Robinia Institute, Love Just Works LLC
Primary States Expected: OH, KY
Major Commodities: Poultry (Eggs)
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,600,000Recognizing the Role of Buffalo Production as a Climate-Smart Commodity
Partners plan to distribute project funding to 76 Tribes to incentivize their use of climate-smart practices related to buffalo herds. The Tribal Buffalo Market Initiative (TBMI) plans to assist Tribes in marketing their buffalo as a climate-smart commodity, develop sustainable programs for historically underserved Tribal buffalo producers and create a Tribally led national strategy for education and outreach of buffalo as a climate-smart agricultural product.
Lead Partner: InterTribal Buffalo Council
Other Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center
Primary States Expected: Tribal
Major Commodities: Buffalo
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,950,000Iowa Tribe Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA) Innovation Pilot Program
The Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture Pilot Program plans to educate Native American participants on climate-smart practices, provide long lasting benefits to soil and water health through climate-smart practices, and expand markets for climate-smart commodities. The CERNA Project plans to provide each producer annual incentives and premium payments and a one-time financial assistance payment for the necessary education and training needed to implement climate-smart practices. Additionally, CERNA plans to directly support farmers by purchasing 100 percent of all eligible climate-smart commodities produced under this project, which would hold the “Regenified” label under premium contracts.
Lead Partner: Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Other Major Partners: Terramera, Regenified, Understanding Ag, Soil Health Academy, John Deere Director of Emerging Technology, Taste Profit Marketing, Oatly, Cooks Ventures, Global Processing, Bratney, Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri, Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Grey Snow Management Solutions, The Akana Group, The Intertribal Ag Council
Primary States Expected: IA, KS, NE, IN, IL, MO, OK
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,700Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project will enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer will receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that will compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer will also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.)
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Primary States Expected: ND, SD, NE, KS, MO, IA, MN, WI, IL, IN, MI, OH, TN, KY
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000Growing the Impossible: Climate Smart Commodities in Tribal Homelands
This project plans to provide technical assistance, training, financial incentives and business planning and marketing support for climate-smart commodities produced on tribal homelands. This project plans to support climate-smart practices, including adaptive multi-paddock higher intensity rotational grazing which lead to increased soil organic carbon storage. The work is planned toalign with holistic Blackfeet-specific regenerative grazing strategies in direct partnership with Tribal land managers and individual producers.
Lead Partner: Piikani Lodge Health Institute (PLHI)
Other Major Partners: Piikani Lodge Health Institute, Blackfeet Community College, Blackfeet Environmental Office, Montana State University, Soils Lab, Montana State University, Buffalo Nations Food Systems Initiative, Montana State University, Native Lands Project, Animo Partnership in Natural Resources LLC, Montana Audubon, Western Sustainability Exchange, SciGaia, Crystal Springs and Flower Hill Institute, Chris Roper Services and Flower Hill Institute, Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative
Primary States Expected: Tribal, MT
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000Urban Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Farm Initiative
The Urban Ag Climate Smart Commodities Farm Initiative intends to reach underserved, socially disadvantaged, primarily African American producers and provide financial incentives to Urban Ag Groups and Farmers to encourage participation in the program. This five-state pilot program would work with small and/or underserved producers to increase the supply and demand for Climate-Smart Commodities in rural and urban markets. The project would assist with purchasing items producers may need to set up climate-smart retail operations. Participants would also receive an UrbanAg Climate-Smart Commodities Marketing Toolkit and access to marketing bootcamps teaching farmers and partnering Urban Ag groups how to market climate-smart commodities to potential consumers. Participants would complete a survey at the beginning of the program to access their awareness and/or knowledge of Climate-Smart Agriculture, their willingness to adopt the practices and to determine what they might need to be successful.
Lead Partner: MCL JASCO, INC
Other Major Partners: Alabama A&M University, Alcorn University, Auburn University, Fort Valley State University, Jackson State University, Michigan State University, National Association of Women in Agriculture, Tuskegee University, University of Georgia, Washtenaw County Community College, Wayne County Community College
Primary States Expected: MI, AL, LA, MS, SC
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,600The Michigan Climate Smart Farm Project
This project plans to provide financial assistance to small scale and underserved producers as they transition to climate-smart commodity production using practices like cover crops, residue and tillage management, pasture/silvo-pasture establishment, feed management, forest stand improvement, wetland restoration and combustion system improvements. Producers are planned to receive a regenerative premium through selling climate-smart products in direct-to-market opportunities like farmers markets.
Lead Partner: Michigan Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Washtenaw County Conservation District; University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability; Michigan Department of Agriculture- Environmental Stewardship Division; Carbon Yield; Washtenaw County; The Soil Inventory Project; Monroe Conservation District; Lenawee Conservation District; Keep Growing Detroit; Wayne County Conservation District; Taste the Local Difference (TLD); Water Words that Work (WWTW)
Primary States Expected: MI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,720,000Biochar for Climate-Smart Farms in Missouri
This project would provide direct on-farm assistance and support to convert on-farm ag-waste into biochar, a soil amendment, for Missouri farms and measure and market the resulting climate-smart commodities. The Missouri Organic Association (MOA) plans to launch a pilot program to provide Missouri’s underserved farming community with access to the knowledge, machinery, and support needed to turn their on-farm waste into usable climate-smart farm inputs. MOA and partners would conduct a multi-pronged program to develop and expand markets for climate-smart commodities produced by participating farmers and producers. In turn, the marketing development team wouldprovide comprehensive and well-balanced coverage of marketing specialties.
Lead Partner: Missouri Organic Association
Other Major Partners: Missouri State University, Lincoln University, Five Star Family Farms Inc., Seidel Research and Development Company LLC, and Green Tribes Consulting LLC
Primary States Expected: MO
Major Commodities: Corn, soy and other organic and specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,935,000Building Whole-Farm Designs and Market Infrastructure to Provide Premiums for Climate-Smart Farming among Mid-Sized Agricultural Enterprises in the Ohio River Valley
This project plans to model and develop whole-farm carbon sequestration systems geared towards mid-sized polyculture farms that produce crops and beef. Farmers would receive a sign-up incentive, free technical assistance, and cost-share to implement climate-smart practices. Partners would include African-American food system organizers who would ensure engagement with minority, unrepresented, and socially disadvantaged growers. Partners would offer a Climate-Smart Beef product line to current retail and wholesale customers and provide avenues for grain producers to market and sell their products.
Lead Partner: Mt. Folly Enterprises Inc
Other Major Partners: Mt. Folly Farm, flagship farm, Eastern Kentucky University, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Rich Earth Grains LLC, Riverside Meats, Scott Shouse, Sourwood Forestry Consulting, Ale-8-1 Bottling Company, Skip Johnson, Doug Gurian-Sherman
Primary States Expected: KY, OH, TN
Major Commodities: beef, corn, soy, wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000Innovative Beef Cattle Management in Utah’s Semi-arid Rangelands for Climate-Smart Outcomes and Commodity Market Development
Utah ranchers running small scale operations would receive financial and technical assistance to participate in an innovative grazing pilot project to produce climate-smart beef and establish viable and accessible cattle marketplaces.
Lead Partner: Multiplier
Other Major Partners: Utah Grazing Improvement Program, Three Creeks Grazing, LLC, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Landowners Alliance, Working Lands Conservation
Primary States Expected: UT
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000National Black Growers Council Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program (National Black Growers Council: Black Cotton/peanuts)
In this project, the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) plans to work with historically underserved farmers to test regenerative agricultural practices and determine which are best suited for various regions and farm types in the Southeast United States. Once complete, NBGC plans to scale up participation to include additional farmers a, providing incentives to increase adoption of regenerative agricultural practices and leveraging market data to sell products to corporate partners who need to meet corporate sustainability goals.
Lead Partner: National Black Growers Council
Other Major Partners: Cargill, Bayer, Syngenta
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton, corn, rice, soybeans, sugar cane, peanuts, canola, and grain sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,789,000Building Markets and Resiliency: Addressing Climate and Food Access with Northern NJ Livestock Farmers
This project would offer technical assistance and financial cost-share incentives to livestock producers to implement priority climate-smart practices, with higher cost-shares available to underserved producers. This project would provide increased business opportunities for underserved and small farmers to be competitive in purchasing land in a market dominated by corporate sprawl and development pressure. The plan for developing and expanding markets for climate-smart commodities through this project involves the development of a climate-friendly farm certification, a consumer marketing campaign, and the expansion of equitable food access.
Lead Partner: North Jersey RC&D Area, Inc
Other Major Partners: Foodshed Alliance, NJ Audubon (NJA), CLA Consultants, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)
Primary States Expected: NJ
Major Commodities: Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,574,000Farmer Cooperative-Led, Partnership-Driven Project for Implementing Novel Perennial Cover Crop Species in Specialty Crop Systems and Integrating with Innovative MRV and Carbon Market
In this pilot project, producers would receive cost-share, technical assistance, capital investment and marketing support for using Oakville bluegrass cover crop in their commercial specialty crop operations. In addition to the creation and sale of carbon offsets, Oakville bluegrass plantings would give producers the opportunity to engage in climate-smart insetting, the practice of applying GHG offsets to one’s own supply chain. The project partner would seek further underserved producer membership through co-op director Nav Athwal’s network of over 200 Punjabi American producers.
Lead Partner: Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative, Columbia River Seed, Vitidore, Radix Evergreen, California State University Chico
Primary States Expected: CA, OR, WA, AZ
Major Commodities: Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000The Building Climate Success by Empowering Humans to Care for our Natural Resources
Through this project, tribal and other underserved producers would receive financial assistance for adopting climate-smart practices for livestock and pecan production in Oklahoma. Project partners plan to create tools and partnerships for enrollees to market climate-smart products, including the creation of a climate-smart marketing class session and other resources.
Lead Partner: Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts Incorporated
Other Major Partners: Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD), the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC), the Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project (OBHRPI), the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Conservation District, the Choctaw Nation Conservation District, and the Oklahoma Department of Forestry
Primary States Expected: Tribal, OK
Major Commodities: Pecans, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000Greenhouse Gas Reduction Incentive Program
Using incentives and technical assistance, this project would help farmers adopt climate-smart practices to improve soil health and water quality, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and promote wildlife habitat, connecting climate-smart commodity production with climate adaptation and GHG benefits. The farmers enrolled every year in the project are eligible to receive sufficient and compelling incentive payments for their participation and for verified climate-smart practice implementation. The project plans to draw on Organic Association of Kentucky, Inc. (OAK) and partner networks to engage small farms and underserved farmers. OAK anticipates half of the farms enrolled annually would be underserved farmers, including limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers, and many more would be small farms, operations with gross annual farm income under $250,000.
Lead Partner: Organic Association of Kentucky Inc
Other Major Partners: Aramark, Four Hills Farm, Kentucky Organic Farm and Feed Inc., Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Marksbury Farm Market, The Berry Center, Victory Hemp Foods, Organic Trade Association, The Food Connection at University of Kentucky, Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Kentucky State University, University of Kentucky, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Sustainable Food Alliance, Bullhorn Creative, Station Built
Primary States Expected: KY
Major Commodities: Grass fed lamb; grass fed beef; corn, soybeans and small grains; produce; dairy; agroforestry; hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,407,000Sustainable Agricultural Solutions to Plastic Pollution
Through this project, underserved producers would receive financial and technical assistance for climate-smart practices including cultivation of hemp as a cover crop, and other rotational crop trials. The project plans to evaluate industrial hemp bioplastics, develop software to calculate the environmental impact of a new feedstock and identify climate-smart market opportunities.
Lead Partner: PlantSwitch, Inc
Other Major Partners: Ag Processing Solutions, Brian Furnish, Leistritz Extrusion, Extrusion Technology and Innovation, Plant Based Products Council, SmartFarm Innovation Network, Tillery Sims. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Virginia State University, Virginia Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Primary States Expected: VA
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,940,000The Coalition for Food Security
The Coalition for Food Security (CFS) plans to implement climate-smart practices related to indoor hydroponic vertical farming and optimize environmental climate control management to create a voluntary climate-smart produce marketplace. This would incentivize greenhouse gas reduction practices along the vegetable supply chain through direct partnerships between underserved producers and corporate buyers, enabling small and underserved producers to sell their produce directly to corporations. The CFS plans to design and market a franchise program to incentivize minority landowners and underserved producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices demonstrated at the pilot farm. In addition, CFS would provide internships to HBCU students to participate in our project and other franchise programs for graduating students to start agricultural businesses.
Lead Partner: Ponix, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Ponix, FoodChain Technologies, GTC 360 LLC, Center for Global Health Innovation, Fort Valley State University, Buds of Little Rose, Ed Farm, Slater Infrastructure
Primary States Expected: GA
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900PVAMU Climate-Smart Farm Planning Program
This project will support historically underserved farmers in over 60 Texas counties as they adopt carbon-smart farm plans. This includes listening to the individual needs of farms to incorporate regenerative agriculture practices and provide technical assistance, financial incentives, and ongoing advising to help farmers develop regenerative agriculture practices. This project will also help producers market to down-supply chain purchasing partners that have placed value on regenerative agriculture.
Lead Partner: Prairie View A&M University
Other Major Partners: Prairie View A&M University, 100 Ranchers, Inc., Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers and Ranchers, the Landowners Association of Texas, Workforce Training and Development, Inc., and Cargill, Inc.
Primary States Expected: TX
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,000,000Climate-Smart Sustainability Certificate
The project would create the Climate-Smart Sustainability (CSS) Certificate to quantify the value of existing and newly adopted climate-smart interventions. The development of the CSS Certificate would substantially expand opportunities for climate-smart commodities and small-scale underserved and limited resources farmers. The project teams plans to connect with networks producers, processors, and Agri-Technology companies to help build out the market for climate-smart commodities. The data-backed CSS Certificate would provide a solution to value and document the carbon and environmental co-benefits embedded within purchased grains and other food crops so that buyers of U.S. commodities can certify GHG reductions within their supply chain.
Lead Partner: Prairie View A&M University
Other Major Partners: Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, Michigan Aerospace Corporation
Primary States Expected: TX
Major Commodities: Corn & Soy strawberry, edible soybean, radish and leafy green
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,997,300Prince George’s County Climate-Smart Local Producers Pilot Program
This project plans to pilot, evaluate, and build a Climate-Smart Local Producers Program to address marketing products grown using a variety of climate-smart practices. The project will focus on reducing barriers to practice implementation on existing and new farms. A planned marketing strategy that resonates with County residents, will combine the values of eating local, utilization of on -farm climate smart practices and woman and minority owned farms. The County will work with Bowie State University (a Historically Black University) to develop monitoring methodology and perform the analysis of greenhouse gas reductions and leverage the measurement and monitoring methodologies developed by the state of Maryland for several sequestration practices and supply chain impacts.
Lead Partner: Prince Georges, County Government
Other Major Partners: Prince George’s County Government Agencies and Entities, including Department of the Environment (DoE), Prince George's Soil Conservation District (PGSCD), Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Prince George’s County Food Equity Council (FEC), Low Impact Development Center, Inc. (LIDC), Bowie State University, University of Maryland Extension
Primary States Expected: MD
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables, Specialty Crops and a Variety of other Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,250,000Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.
Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Primary States Expected: CO, DE, KS, MA, NE, NM, NC, PA, WY, VA and Tribal
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Waste to Plate: Building Circular Economies and Shorter Supply Chains for Livestock Reared on Regenerating Dryland Range with Organic Amendments
Quivira Coalition and partners plans to work with project participants to produce biochar and compost and them on degraded rangeland to enhance ecological function, carbon sequestration, and forage production Each producer would receive a stipend to support their time towards producing, deploying, monitoring, and communicating with technical support providers, host fees to support the workshop, and supplies. This project would provide direct technical support to help producers finish animals on grass, optimize carcasses for their particular customer base, and build the tools, such as an online shopping cart or a social media presence, for region-based marketing.
Lead Partner: Quivira Coalition
Other Major Partners: Reunity Resources, Trollworks, Wilson Biocha, Southwest Grassfed Livestock Alliance, Good Meat Project, Polk’s Folly Farm, Kathryn Bedell, Creighton Robinson, Dixon Water Foundation, Weaver Ranch, Colorado State University, Dixon Water Foundation; Trilogy Beef Community; Roan Creck Ranch
Primary States Expected: AZ, CO, NM, TX, Tribal
Major Commodities: Grassfed beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,536,000Climate-Smart Chicken and Feed: Scaling Climate-Smart Grain and Poultry Commodity Production as a System-Level Climate Solution for the Midwest
This project would support poultry producers who follow diversified regenerative climate-smart grain production methods incorporating small grains, no-till, and cover crops, integrated agroforestry practices. Producers may receive payments to adopt a climate-smart grain rotation for at least three years and for Organic climate-smart chicken production. Producers would receive a premium price for chickens, paid by Tree-Range Farms. Multiple strategic partners including tribal nations, immigrant-serving organizations, and other community partners plan to promote the project with underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Regeneration International/Regenerative Agriculture Alliance
Other Major Partners: Regenerative Agriculture Alliance (RAA); Freshwater Society; Minnesota State University Mankato; Carleton College; Tree-Range® Farms; Makoce Agriculture Development, Oatly, Regenerative Agriculture Solutions, General Mills, Latino Economic Development Center
Primary States Expected: Tribal, MN, WI, IA, IL, SD, OK
Major Commodities: Poultry, small grain, oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900Increasing Farm Resource Efficiency by Utilizing On-Site Post-Production Food Byproducts into Innovative Fertilizers and Climate-Smart Commodities
Project participants would use innovative technology to convert crop residue into two high-value fertilizers for soil, foliar, or hydroponic use, and market resulting climate-smart commodities. Grower economic benefits include: premium pricing for carbon-smart commodities, reduced fertilizer costs, reduced water consumption and related costs, potential reduction in environmental regulatory compliance/fees (where applicable) and expanded marketing opportunities to Re-Nuble or local markets.
Lead Partner: Re-Nuble, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Helianth Partners, IPM Institute, Purple Thumb Farm, Kreher Family Farms, Blake Farms, Uncle Jerry’s Farm
Primary States Expected: NY, KY, MS, MI
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,697,000Regenerative Agriculture and its Potential in Climate-Smart Commodities to Enhance the Sustainability of Underserved and Limited Resources Farmers in South Carolina
The project would use its regional extension centers and county extension agents to recruit small scale, limited resource and underserved farmers in South Carolina interested in adopting and implementing best management practices to grow climate-smart commodities, such as leafy greens and cover crops. The recruited farmers would be incentivized to adopt emission reduction, climate-smart and conservation agricultural practices to maximize soil health, and carbon sequestration. The project would establish local and regionally based small farmer cooperative to market the climate-smart cash crop commodities.
Lead Partner: South Carolina State University
Other Major Partners: Mixon Seed Services, South Carolina Black Farmers Coalition
Primary States Expected: SC
Major Commodities: Cotton & Peanuts, Leafy Green, Cover Crops (Turnip, Radish, kale, mustard) and other diversified crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,542,600A Climate-Smart Strategy for the Michigan Foodshed: Nourishing Our Land, Farmers, and Rural Communities
The project would focus on beginning and women farmers growing wheat, dry beans, food grade soybeans and oats. Participants can receive payments for inputting and sharing data; increasing their Truterra tool score; receiving Advanced scoring in the Truterra tool; for taking unproductive land out of production and for expanding their food growing operation by piloting food grade oats. Star of the West plans topromote climate-smart commodities with its existing network of wheat, flour, dry bean, food grade soy and oat customers, including processors, customers and restaurants. The project plans to host strategic learning circles, field days, and climate-smart leadership trainings specifically for beginning and women farmers and engage beginning farmers by providing summer internships, working with Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapters, college ag students, and the Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer program.
Lead Partner: Star of the West Milling Company
Other Major Partners: Michigan Agriculture Advancement; Artisan Grain Collaborative; Shiftology Communication; Hasenick Brothers Farm; Kellogg Biological Station Long Term Agroecosystem Research; Midwest GRIT; Van Buren County Conservation District; Wisconsin Women in Conservation; Bavarian Inn Restaurant
Primary States Expected: MI
Major Commodities: Wheat, Dry Beans, Food grade soybean
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,700Climate-Smart Fiber Hemp: A Versatile Thread Connecting the Nation’s Underserved Farmers, Climate Change Mitigation and Novel Market Opportunities
This project would be a collaborative initiative to expand the production of industrial hemp as a climate-smart commodity, evaluate its greenhouse gas benefits (GHG), and promote the value of market development to a cross-section of production agriculture, including small, medium, and underserved producers across the state of Tennessee. Special efforts are planned to identify and recruit underserved producers (e.g. minority producers, women, veterans), as well as farmers from the nine most economically distressed counties in Tennessee and the 30 counties at risk for becoming economically distressed.
Lead Partner: Tennessee State University
Other Major Partners: Tennessee State University, Hemp Alliance of Tennessee, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, The Tennessee New Farmer Academy, based at Tennessee State University
Primary States Expected: TN
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,972,800Permanently Reshaping the National Beef Herd through Grassroots Genetic Selection for Climate- Smart Outcomes
This project seeks to establish a new Climate-Smart Commodity – namely feeder cattle sired by bulls selected on the basis of reduced enteric methane emissions and associated beef products. Enrolled ranchers would be eligible to receive incentives for each purchase of cows and select breeding bulls that produce reduced CH4 emissions and are more feed efficient by consuming less feed. Calves from participating herds would be enrolled in an information management system which tracks the genetic, health, and production data of individual animals as they move through the beef supply chain. This would allow participating ranchers to differentiate their calves on the basis of Climate-Smart outcomes and market those calves to prospective buyers. Partners plan to enroll underserved producers and younger, first-generation beef cattle ranching start-ups to partner, mentor, and support.
Lead Partner: Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Other Major Partners: Texas A&M - Kingsville, Leachman Cattle of Colorado, Brahman Country Genetics and Brahman Country Beef, Zoetis
Primary States Expected: Nationwide
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,730,000Establishing Climate-Smart Commodities with Reduced Greenhouse Gas Footprints to Enhance Environmental and Economic Sustainability in the Texas High Plains
The goals of this project are to quantify benefits from these climate-smart commodities on a variety of producer field sites, estimate GHG footprint across the supply chain using COMET (carbon management evaluation tool), develop a framework to demonstrate socio-economic and environmental sustainability in the Texas High Plains and support a market for sustainably produced climate-smart cotton. Multiple producers representing 10 Texas counties have been identified within the categories of Hispanic, veteran, women, beginning farmers, and early adopters.
Lead Partner: Texas Tech University System
Other Major Partners: National Cotton Council, National Sorghum Producers, Texas Alliance for Water Conservation (TAWC) advisory board, No-Till Texas, Field to Market, Texas Sorghum Association, Groguru, Agri-Search
Primary States Expected: TX
Major Commodities: Cotton & Peanuts Cotton, Sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,945,500Expanding Opportunities for Evidence-Based, Climate-Smart Grassfed Beef by Enhancing Income Streams through Retail Food Channels and Carbon Markets for a Producer Network Spanning the Rockies to NE US
This project aims to expand the climate-smart regenerative grassfed beef market with market incentives for producers to address the regenerative cost differential, product promotion activities to increase demand at the higher premium-price, and participation in a carbon-credit project to pay producers for carbon sequestration ecosystem services. The project would employ a model-based approach to capture the soil carbon dynamics of grazing practices, which requires calibration with locality-specific measurements of precipitation, temperature, soil, vegetation, etc. for statistical validity and high confidence level. The project plans to develop a simple, low-cost program for measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV) that farmers can easily and inexpensively administer to quantify management impacts on soil and biomass C stocks and GHG emissions for grazing land systems and climate-smart beef, employing on-the-ground measurement of soil carbon stocks, producer-sourced management information, and process-based models of grazing land carbon dynamics.
Lead Partner: TH Cattle Company, LLC
Other Major Partners: Western Sustainability Exchange, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Yard Stick, HowGood
Primary States Expected: AK, AZ, CA, GA, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NH, NM, NY, OK, SD, VT, WI, WY
Major Commodities: Grassfed beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,467,000Minnesota Climate-Smart Seedling Production Network
The proposed project plans to work with forest owners to grow a set of climate-adapted tree species resilient to the projected climate futures of Minnesota’s Midwest Broadleaf Forest, and monitor and market the climate-smart commodity. Producers would receive a payment for each tree seedling grown, in addition to assistance with start-up costs, provision of wild-collected tree seed, and cooperatively managed shipping and distribution of seedings. Seedlings produced as part of this pilot would bear a “Climate-Smart” label and would include native trees selected based on their projected climate capability. The project would provide free training opportunities about tree seed collection and seedling production market opportunities, paying a fair, hourly wage for participating tree seed collectors and provide start-up funds for interested producers, but for whom cost would be a barrier to enter the market.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: University of Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Three Rivers Parks District, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Urban Roots Seedling Production: Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota, Red Lake Nation, Regional Sustainable Development Partnership Monitoring and Evaluation: University of Minnesota-Duluth Market Access/Development: Hiawatha Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D)
Primary States Expected: MN
Major Commodities: Tree Seedlings
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,997Validating Agrivoltaic Technology with Underserved Agricultural Producers
This project plans to pilot the climate-smart co-location of agriculture and solar power (agrivoltaics) to measure and evaluate greenhouse gas benefits and promote equitable climate-smart commodity market development for Hispanic farmers and ranchers. Partners also plan to provide direct financial and culturally-relevant technical assistance to participants for implementing agrivoltaic systems on their farms and ranches.
Lead Partner: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Other Major Partners: Purdue University, AgriSolar Clearinghouse, HOPE for Small Farm Sustainability, Texas/Mexico Border Coalition (TMBC), Starr County Industrial Foundation (SCIF), Hub of Prosperity, Zamora Ranch, Justice and Mercy Energy Services (JustEnergy), The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), UTRGV Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement (SARA)
Primary States Expected: TX
Major Commodities: Beef & Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $2,229,200Expanding the Participation of Marginal Producers and Landowners to Promote Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Practices: Continuous Efforts of 1890 Agroforestry Consortium
The project plans to support small-scale and other underserved producers in three states with financial and technical assistance to transform their traditional production into a multi-pronged agroforestry-based climate-smart, sustainable production system. All producers and landowners are planned to receive financial incentives to cover costs of inputs and services Partners will form a marketing network for labelling, packaging, and branding CS commodities.
Lead Partner: Tuskegee University
Other Major Partners: Alabama A&M University, Virginia State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Primary States Expected: AL, MA, VA
Major Commodities: nuts, specialty vegetables, fruits (apples, persimmon, berries), medicinal herbs, and meat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Improved Practices of Climate-Smart Livestock Production Systems and Agricultural Commodities while Enhancing Carbon Sequestration in the Southern USA: Innovating toward a new climate-smart commodity by investing in minority producers
The project would work with minority small producers to implement silvopasture systems and climate-resilient forage systems. Producers would receive incentives that enable their participation in climate-smart pilots and continued implementation, including reduced feed costs, carbon credit profits, and value-added products. Partners would create a mobile processing and marketing system to support the local, farm-direct meat production pipeline in a climate-conscious manner. The marketing pipeline combine farmers’ markets, local restaurants, craft butcher shops, and direct to-consumer approaches.
Lead Partner: Tuskegee University
Other Major Partners: Mississippi State University, Alabama A&M University, Langston University, Widget Development & Trading Company
Primary States Expected: AL, MS, AR, TX
Major Commodities: Sheep and Goats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,081,100Developing Capacity to Quantify Climate-Smart Practices in Cool Season Specialty Crops
This project would provide advanced, technical assistance in English and Spanish to underserved and small grower partner operations to reduce nitrogen fertilizer use, plant cover crops and use soil amendments. Growers would receive mini-grants to monitor and report grower experience and conservation outcomes related to the implementation of proposed practices. Bilingual student Climate-Smart Ag Ambassadors plan to work directly with technical assistance staff and farmers to alleviate communication barriers and provide direct on-farm outreach to growers through field demonstration days.
Lead Partner: University Corporation at Monterey Bay
Other Major Partners: Huntington Farms, RCD of Monterey County, University of California Cooperative Extension, Agrology, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,990Arizona Partnership for Climate-Smart Food Crops
The project would promote climate-smart food production practices including strip cropping, multi-story cropping and others for desert adapted crops within four agrisystems. Producers would receive payments for implementing and auditing these practices and for additional practices as well as technical assistance specialized based on culture, language and experience. Through its partners, the project create a climate-smart logo, brand guide and messaging for multiple audiences and marketplaces such as chefs/restaurants, grocery stores, farmers market, and online markets. The project also plans to lease a commercial test kitchen for identifying culinary qualities of climate-smart crops, conducting consumer research, promoting a Desert Seed-to-Table program, and advancing retail market development and a consumer awareness campaign.
Lead Partner: University of Arizona
Other Major Partners: Tucson City of Gastronomy, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Local First Arizona, University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Primary States Expected: AZ, CO
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables, Specialty Crops, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,782,300Developing and Harnessing Climate-Smart Commodities from Hardwood Restoration for Small and Underserved Landowners in the Southern Bottomland Region
This project plans to focus on working with small scale and underserved landowners on marketing climate-smart wood products with support for bottomland hardwood afforestation and planting mixed hardwood oak plantations. Full technical and financial assistance is planned for landowners and demonstration sites. Partners plan to use a forest inventory system to monitor and assess tree stand structure, composition, and health status across the bottomland hardwood forests, and estimate carbon storage and evaluate indicator wildlife populations.
Lead Partner: University of Arkansas System
Other Major Partners: University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) (lead), University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), Texas A&M University
Primary States Expected: AR
Major Commodities: wood products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,710,000Commodities and Practices to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Pacific Island Agriculture and Forestry Systems
This project plans to market climate-smart commodities and achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions in Pacific Island agriculture and forestry systems while improving affordable food and nutrition security of disadvantaged, at-risk, island communities. Partners plan to employ an inter-disciplinary, culturally sensitive approach when working with local farmers and forestry managers. Technical workshops are planned to showcase various climate-smart practices and underserved producers and landowners are planned to receive stipends for participating in the project. Partners plan to conduct market research to better understand emerging and untapped markets and customer’s willingness to pay (WTP) for climate-smart commodities.
Lead Partner: University of Guam
Other Major Partners: Renato, Ryan, Isagani, Jesus, Agriculture Research Station CNMI, Taiwan Farm, Happy Farm, Government of Guam, Island View, Meda, Bernard Watson, Katrina Reyes, Aguon Takai, Marlene Rivo
Primary States Expected: Territories
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Innovative Cover-crop Opportunity, Verification and Economy stimulating technology for underserved farmers using Robotics (iCOVER)
The iCOVER project plans to scale up robotic cover crop planting and verification of soil carbon through innovative radiological robotic sensing technologies, creating markets for climate-smart products for minority underserved farmers growing specialty crops and animal products. The project plans to use standard and well-established soil sampling and remote sensing methods to measure and quantify the effect of cover crops on carbon sequestration, and then develop and scale up an innovative in-situ robotic system capable of soil carbon measurements at high-throughput using a contact-free radiological method for fast, accurate and automated soil organic carbon quantification. The project is planned to also focus on market building for underserved producers through an existing resource and partnerships with grocery chains and restaurants.
Lead Partner: University of Illinois
Other Major Partners: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Tuskegee University; Earth-Sense, Inc., Corteva, Indigo Ag
Primary States Expected: AL, IL, IN, MO, IA
Major Commodities: Corn, vegetables and livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Cover Crop Utilization to Boost Anaerobic Digestion, Transform Chicken Litter, Enhance Soil Health, and Create Climate-Smart Commodity Pathways for Small Farms on the Delmarva Peninsula
The project would directly address underserved producers on the Delmarva Peninsula by promoting climate-smart cover crops as a feedstock for digestor facilities. Project partners anticipate these facilities plan to provide a per acre incentive for harvested climate-smart cover crop biomass making them more economically sustainable and allowing for several project partners to promote and distribute the climate-smart products. This project plans to focus on environmental justice especially in communities impacted by environmental hazards, social-economic stress and poor infrastructure.
Lead Partner: University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Other Major Partners: Delmarva Land and Litter Collaborative, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, 2020 Farmers Cooperative, Millennium Farms
Primary States Expected: MD
Major Commodities: Poultry; Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Climate Resiliency for the Farm and Market Development: Economically Viable Low Carbon and Climate-Smart Practices for Soybean Farming
Team Climate-Smart Soybean plan to provide small/underserved soybean producers with sufficient incentives to encourage the use of climate-smart practices and participate in the development of markets and promotion of climate-smart soybeans. Participants would use cover crops, no-till, climate-smart soybeans, crop rotation, bio-fertilizers, and biochar. Led by an Hispanic-serving institution, project assistance would be provided in a culturally-relative approach.
Lead Partner: University of Texas at Arlington
Other Major Partners: Texas A&M AgriLife, University of Missouri, Tarleton State University
Primary States Expected: AR, MO, TX
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,991,400Blue Carbon, Green Fields: Mobilizing Marine Algae to Benefit Sea and Soil in the Pacific Northwest
This project plans to pilot a mutually beneficial collaboration between aquatic and terrestrial farms in the Puget Sound region, revolving around the removal and reconveyance of nuisance seaweed for application as a Carbon-sequestering soil amendment. This product would be used on small, direct-to-consumer, specialty crop and diversified farms and the crops would be marketed to pre-existing regional markets that support demand for climate-smart commodities. Shellfish farmers would benefit from new revenue streams from nuisance seaweed, the value of improved shellfish health and seawater quality and the potential for new marketing opportunities and/or premiums associated with implementing a verified climate-smart practice.
Lead Partner: University of Washington
Other Major Partners: Washington State University, Viva Farms, Puget Sound Restoration Fund, Baywater Shellfish
Primary States Expected: WA
Major Commodities: Specialty and Organic crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,865,100ClimateSmartGoods.com - Set Your Table and Lower Your Footprint
The project plans toselect farms in Mississippi and South Carolina to demonstrate the implementation of conservation/production plans – “Smart Crop Plans”, supporting the creation of a corresponding knowledge-based training platform. Project partners also plan to provide professional marketing consultant to advise on packaging, branding and marketing of “ClimateSmart” products and connecting the products with retail and wholesale markets.
Lead Partner: Up in Farms LLC
Other Major Partners: Up in Farms, Center of Resilience Excellence South Carolina, DRA Resources, Florida A&M University, Microsoft, NASA HBCU, Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance, Chulahoma's Garden LLC, BrightMa Farms, Piney Woods School, Warehouses 4 Good
Primary States Expected: MS, SC
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Hispanic Climate-Smart Commodities Initiative
This project plans to work with Puerto Rico and Florida Hispanic pasture and forage farmers to diversify and increase production while managing climate-smart farming methods and quantifying environmental outcomes. Project partners would address cultural and language barriers to provide technical assistance for implementing practices and marketing their beef in new revenue streams. Farmers with under 100 acres under management would be offered a higher flat fee per year.
Lead Partner: Victus Puerto Rico Inc
Other Major Partners: mano-Y-ola, LLC, Bien-Estar Agrícola LLC PR, Fundación Santa Elena de la Sabana Inc PR, Ponce Municipal Administration PR
Primary States Expected: FL; Territories
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,926,300Grazing Regeneratively for Appalachian Sustainable Solutions
Underserved farmers would receive financial and technical assistance to support the transition from typical livestock systems management to climate-smart practices. Practices implemented include land management plans, prescribed grazing, bale grazing, native grass and silvopasture establishment, incorporation of legumes and non-leguminous forbs, and use of traditional and novel soil amendments, such as biochar. The project would provide producers with marketing assistancefor grass-fed beef products as long as producers meet required criteria of certifications and product quality.
Lead Partner: West Virginia University Research Corporation
Other Major Partners: West Virginia University (WVU), Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, West Virginia State University, The West Virginia Conservation Agency (WVCA), The Soil and Water Conservation Division of Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (VaDCR-SWCD), Hickory Nut Gap (HNG)
Primary States Expected: WV, VA
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,795,300Northern New Mexico Hub of the Western Working Lands Climate-Smart Network
The Northern NM Climate-Smart Working Lands Hub plans to empower New Mexico Latino and underserved beef and pork producers and their trusted partners to collectively develop, implement, monitor, quantify and broker climate-smart livestock projects. Participants would benefit from reduced transaction costs and retaining more value of their goods and services in local communities. Through partnerships, the project would provide expertise on data collection and analysis and provide highly skilled sampling teams. The project would provide participants culturally-relevant technical assistance and assistance with entering and navigating the ecosystem service marketplace.
Lead Partner: Western Landowners Alliance
Other Major Partners: Working Lands Conservation, National Latinos Farmers and Ranchers
Primary States Expected: NM
Major Commodities: beef; pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,800Southwest Hub of the Western Working Lands Climate-Smart Network
The Southwest Climate-Smart Working Lands Hub plans to empower Southwest tribal beef and pork producers and their trusted partners to collectively develop, implement, monitor, quantify and broker climate-smart livestock projects. Participants would benefit from reduced transaction costs and retaining more value of their goods and services in local communities. Through partnerships, the project would provide expertise on data collection and analysis and provide highly skilled sampling teams. The project would provide participants culturally-relevant technical assistance and assistance with entering and navigating the ecosystem service marketplace.
Lead Partner: Western Landowners Alliance
Other Major Partners: Working Lands Conservation, Indian Nations Conservation Alliance
Primary States Expected: Tribal; AZ, NM, OK
Major Commodities: beef; pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,997,900Colorado Hub of the Western Working Lands Climate-Smart Network
Participating producers would receive financial assistance for implementing climate-smart practices in beef production and monitoring project outcomes. The project would model a successful, durable, and transferable climate-smart commodities market model to regenerate working landscapes.
Lead Partner: Western Landowners Alliance
Other Major Partners: Working Lands Conservation, National Latino Farmers and Ranchers, Central Colorado Conservancy
Primary States Expected: CO
Major Commodities: beef; pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,960Southeast Arkansas Agricultural Cooperative and Multicultural Education Initiative
This project plans to provide a market platform for rice growers producing premium rice that is certified sustainably grown. Participating farmers may earn a premium and save in variable crop expenses. This project plans to establish an agricultural apprenticeship at a minority serving institution, increase the supply of climate-smart rice, and promote climate-smart practices through education and demonstration. This project would use a “whole farm” approach to climate-smart management with a specific emphasis on quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in rice production.
Lead Partner: Whitaker Grain
Other Major Partners: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, RiceTec, Ducks Unlimited
Primary States Expected: AR
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Native Food Crops for Innovative Climate-Smart Production Models and Supply Chains – The Case of Blue Elderberry in the West
The project aims to assist early-adopter Tribal, underserved and small-scale producers to successfully produce a marketable elderberry crop from perennial planting, measure carbon sequestration and develop local processing capacity. Producers would receive an incentive payment per linear foot of elderberry planting, to cover the costs of establishment, maintenance, and the implementation of the additional suite of climate-smart agriculture practices. The project would identify potential sales channels (including local direct sales, value-added products, sales to identified and potential companies/distributors/brands, and Indigenous tribal communities), provide processing capabilities, and develop marketing materials.
Lead Partner: White Buffalo Land Trust
Other Major Partners: Jalama Canyon Ranch; Ted Chamberlin Ranch, Wild Farmlands Foundation; Orella Ranch, and The Santa Ynez Chumash Environmental Office (SYCEO)- Camp 4. The two outreach and advisory partners are Community Environmental Council and The Regents of the University of California – Agriculture and Natural Resources (e.g. UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program)
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Elderberries, Beef and Livestock (Silvopasture systems)
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,633,900Activating Food Hub Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture and Rural Revitalization
This project promotes climate-smart agriculture practices among small and underserved producers, including tribal producers, principally by equipping food hubs to finance and advise on-farm climate-smart practice implementation and marketing to wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. Participating farmers, who would receive technical assistance and training, would implement intensive rotational grazing; multispecies cover crops, crop rotation and reduced tillage/no-till; compost and biochar.
Lead Partner: Working Landscapes
Other Major Partners: North Carolina State University Center for Environmental Farming Systems, North Carolina A&T State University (BCU) Cooperative Extension, Resourceful Communities Partnership of the Conservation Fund, Croatan Institute, Haliwa Saponi Tribe, Weaver Street Market, Fruitful Innovation Group, Bender Farms, CEFS North Carolina 10% Campaign, Lumbee Farmers Cooperative (representing four Native American farmers), Davis Farms Sandy Creek (small, African-American owned produce and livestock farm), Hunt’s Farm (small, African-American owned produce and livestock farm), Bender Farms (small produce and row crop farm), Fourtee Acres (an African-American owned produce, row crop, and timber farm), Working Landscapes, Farmer Foodshare, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, Men & Women United, TRACTOR
Primary States Expected: NC
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900Creating Climate-Smart Commodities through Enhanced Rock Weathering in Agricultural Settings
Project participants would use basalt dust instead of agricultural lime to increase soil pH through a method known as Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), which speeds up a natural carbon sequestration process. Project funds would be used to cover all material, application, and monitoring costs for farmers as well as developing markets for the low-carbon carbon smart commodities grown by participating farmers. The project plans to determine the extent to which this process can increase crop yields, reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions (N2O), and decrease fertilizer and lime costs, much of which may benefit underserved agricultural producers at a time of record high input costs and increasing economic pressures.
Lead Partner: Yale University
Other Major Partners: Yale University, Georgia Inst. of Technology, Grodan, Agoro Carbon Alliance, Black Oaks Center, The Land Connection, Zumwalt Acres, Farm Foundation, Carolina Sunrock, Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC), American Peanut Council (APC)
Primary States Expected: CT, GA, IL
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,898,700
Tentatively-Selected Projects by State
- Alaska
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet AK (PDF, 380 KB)
Expanding Opportunities for Evidence-Based, Climate-Smart Grassfed Beef by Enhancing Income Streams through Retail Food Channels and Carbon Markets for a Producer Network Spanning the Rockies to NE US
This project aims to expand the climate-smart regenerative grassfed beef market with market incentives for producers to address the regenerative cost differential, product promotion activities to increase demand at the higher premium-price, and participation in a carbon-credit project to pay producers for carbon sequestration ecosystem services. The project would employ a model-based approach to capture the soil carbon dynamics of grazing practices, which requires calibration with locality-specific measurements of precipitation, temperature, soil, vegetation, etc. for statistical validity and high confidence level. The project plans to develop a simple, low-cost program for measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV) that farmers can easily and inexpensively administer to quantify management impacts on soil and biomass C stocks and GHG emissions for grazing land systems and climate-smart beef, employing on-the-ground measurement of soil carbon stocks, producer-sourced management information, and process-based models of grazing land carbon dynamics.
Lead Partner: TH Cattle Company, LLC
Other Major Partners: Western Sustainability Exchange, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Yard Stick, HowGood
Primary States Expected: AK, AZ, CA, GA, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NH, NM, NY, OK, SD, VT, WI WY
Major Commodities: Grassfed beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,467,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart LambThe American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute , Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Primary States Expected: CA, IN, TX, MT and Nationwide
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- Alabama
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet AL (PDF, 399 KB)
A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Impact of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa) and Soil Microalgae Consortium (Chlorella spp and Scenedesmus spp) as High-Efficiency Carbon Sequestration Model Plants: Implications for Climate Change and Soil Improvement
Industrial hemp for fiber would be cultivated and marketed in the southeastern United States as a high efficiency carbon sequestration and a climate-smart commodity crop. The project plans to provide financial assistance to small and/or underserved farmers to implement Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. The National Hemp Growers Cooperative, LLC (NHGC) would engage industry partners to create markets for processing industrial hemp into several climate-smart commodities. While developing markets for farmers, the NHGC plan to buy all industrial hemp from all farmers during the duration the grant.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Alabama A&M University, Southern University, University of Florida (UF-IFAS)
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,990,000
BEACON Pilot: Farmers Guiding Farmers Towards Climate Smart Agriculture
This project plans to advance equity by minimizing transaction costs and addressing cultural dynamics for Black and indigenous producers by using a farmer-to-farmer collaborative training approach. Farmers would define culturally appropriate product labels, and partners would work to increase market access, specifically through marketing the value-add of using climate-smart practices like cover crops, no-till, tree planting and prescribed grazing.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, the Tallahassee Food Network, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Organic Farmers Association, Women Food and Agriculture Network, the Earth’s Garden Network
Major Commodities: Specialty and organic crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000Expanding the Participation of Marginal Producers and Landowners to Promote Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Practices: Continuous Efforts of 1890 Agroforestry Consortium
The project plans to support small-scale and other underserved producers in three states with financial and technical assistance to transform their traditional production into a multi-pronged agroforestry-based climate-smart, sustainable production system. All producers and landowners are planned to receive financial incentives to cover costs of inputs and services. Partners plan to form a marketing network for labelling, packaging, and branding climate-smart commodities.
Lead Partner: Tuskegee University
Other Major Partners: Alabama A&M University, Virginia State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Major Commodities: nuts, specialty vegetables, fruits (apples, persimmon, berries), medicinal herbs, and meat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Improved Practices of Climate-Smart Livestock Production Systems and Agricultural Commodities while Enhancing Carbon Sequestration in the Southern USA: Innovating toward a new climate-smart commodity by investing in minority producers
The project plans to work with minority small producers to implement silvopasture systems and climate-resilient forage systems. Producers would receive incentives that enable their participation in climate-smart pilots and continued implementation, including reduced feed costs, carbon credit profits, and value-added products. Partners would create a mobile processing and marketing system to support the local, farm-direct meat production pipeline in a climate-conscious manner. The marketing pipeline combine farmers’ markets, local restaurants, craft butcher shops, and direct to-consumer approaches.Lead Partner: Tuskegee University
Other Major Partners: Mississippi State University, Alabama A&M University, Langston University, Widget Development & Trading Company
Major Commodities: Sheep and Goats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,081,100
Innovative Cover-crop Opportunity, Verification and Economy stimulating technology for underserved farmers using Robotics (iCOVER)
The iCOVER project plans to scale up robotic cover crop planting and verification of soil carbon through innovative radiological robotic sensing technologies, creating markets for climate-smart products for minority underserved farmers growing specialty crops and animal products. The project plans to use standard and well-established soil sampling and remote sensing methods to measure and quantify the effect of cover crops on carbon sequestration, and then develop and scale up an innovative in-situ robotic system capable of soil carbon measurements at high-throughput using a contact-free radiological method for fast, accurate and automated soil organic carbon quantification. The project is planned to also focus on market building for underserved producers through an existing resource and partnerships with grocery chains and restaurants.
Lead Partner: University of Illinois
Other Major Partners: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Tuskegee University; Earth-Sense, Inc., Corteva, Indigo Ag
Major Commodities: Corn, Vegetables and Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute , Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000National Black Growers Council Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program
In this project, the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) plans to work with underserved farmers to test regenerative agricultural practices and determine which are best suited for various regions and farm types in the Southeast United States. Once complete, NBGC plans to scale up participation to include additional farmers , providing incentives to increase adoption of regenerative agricultural practices and leveraging market data to sell products to corporate partners who need to meet corporate sustainability goals.
Lead Partner: National Black Growers Council
Other Major Partners: Cargill, Bayer, Syngenta
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton, corn, rice, soybeans, sugar cane, peanuts, canola, and grain sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,789,000Production and Application of Biochar in Agricultural Practices at Small and Underserved Farms: Soil Enhancement, Carbon Sequestration, and promoting Climate-Smart Commodities
This project, led by minority serving university Florida A&M, plans to develop biochar-based climate-smart practices and technologies that may be implemented on farms, especially on underserved farms, and to market the resulting climate-smart commodities. In addition to free training and consulting, the producers are planned to receive a financial stimulus per acre of farmland used to implement climate-smart practices using biochar such as soil amendment, water infiltration and manure composting. Partner institutes and companies plan to contract with the landowners and producers to purchase some of the resulting commodities for research, product development, and food manufacturing purposes.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of California, Davis; Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability, Current foods, Florida Food Products, LLC., New North Florida Cooperative, California Almond Board, International Fresh Produce Association
Major Commodities: Legumes, leafy green vegetables, hemp, citrus
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,855,000
Urban Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Farm Initiative
The Urban Ag Climate Smart Commodities Farm Initiative intends to reach underserved, socially disadvantaged, primarily African American producers and provide financial incentives to Urban Ag Groups and Farmers to encourage participation in the program. This five-state pilot program would work with small and/or underserved producers to increase the supply and demand for Climate-Smart Commodities in rural and urban markets. The project would assist with purchasing items producers may need to set up climate-smart retail operations. Participants would also receive an UrbanAg Climate-Smart Commodities Marketing Toolkit and access to marketing bootcamps teaching farmers and partnering Urban Ag groups how to market climate-smart commodities to potential consumers. Participants would complete a survey at the beginning of the program to access their awareness and/or knowledge of Climate-Smart Agriculture, their willingness to adopt the practices and to determine what they might need to be successful.
Lead Partner: MCL JASCO, INC
Other Major Partners: Alabama A&M University, Alcorn University, Auburn University, ForAt Valley State University, Jackson State University, Michigan State University, National Association of Women in Agriculture, Tuskegee University, University of Georgia, Washtenaw County Community College, Wayne County Community College
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,600A vibrant future: Pilot projects for climate-smart fruit and vegetable production, marketing, and valuation of ecosystem services --This project will incentivize growers of specialty crops to adopt climate-smart production in order to establish a consumer-driven, climate-smart market for fruits and vegetables grown using climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: International Fresh Produce Association.
Major Partners: International Fresh Produce Association, University of Florida, CropTrak, Frehner-Jens Consulting, Clark McDowall Brand Architecture Company, Alcorn State University, Measure to Improve, LLC, MS Small Farm and Agribusiness Center at Alcorn State, Alamo Farms, Bayer, Bland Farms, Bolthouse Farms, Calavo, Campbell Soup Company, Del-Monte, Driscoll's, Limoneira, Monterey Pacific, Noble Produce Holdings, Sun Pacific
Major Commodities: Berries, Grapes, Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate-smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-smart (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation) --This project, which will reach across 28 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC.
Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust, Black Family Land Trust, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-Smart Grasslands: The Root of Agricultural Carbon Markets -- A diverse partnership of 28 entities will develop climate-smart grasslands agriculture for the eastern US through a large-scale pilot project. The project collaborates with 245 working farms to install innovative, scientifically sound practices that improve soil carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain operational profitability and resiliency.
Lead Partner: The University of Tennessee
Major Partners: Univ. of AR, KY, MO AL Cooperative Extension, Clemson Univ., NC State University, Purdue Univ., TN State Univ., Univ. of TN, VA State University, and VA Tech, Tyson Foods Inc., JBS, Corteva, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Ecosystem Services Marketing Consortium, American Forage & Grassland Council, National Grazing Lands Coalition, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, multiple state cattle associations, American and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federations, The Nature Conservancy, American Bird Conservancy, Monarch Joint Venture, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, TN Department of Agriculture, MO Department of Conservation, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Major Commodities: Beef, Small Ruminants, Dairy, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Developing Climate-Smart Grain Markets in the Mid-South through Diverse Partnerships and a Farming-Systems Approach to Practice Integration to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
This project seeks to demonstrate the viability of growing climate-smart (CS) grains that are sold to poultry feed operations. This project will develop a pilot program for grain producers to utilize multiple climate-smart practices to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. The pilot program includes a monitoring /verification system, local climate-smart market opportunity for direct sale, and tracking CS grain to broiler operations. Soil sampling and GHG emissions monitoring is planned to be conducted on a subset of the incentivized acres and the data will be utilized to refine a generalized regional scale model of estimated suitability for climate smart systems and prediction of benefits. Verified GHG emissions reports and ownership of verified emission reductions is planned to be directly provided to producers as the owners. The project plans to establish a direct market for sale of climate-smart grains through partnerships with local poultry industries who source grain as a key feed ingredient. Historically underserved producers are planned to receive a 15% higher payment to incentivize climate smart practice implementation. The project plans for 50% of annual producer enrollment and incentive payments to be directed to minority or underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Mississippi State University**
Other Major Partners: Southern Ag Services, Inc.*, University of Arkansas*.**, Conservation Solutions LLC*, Alcorn State University*,**
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, LA, MS
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Poultry
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Producer Led Collaborative Effort to Fundamentally Transition the U.S. Beef Supply Chain to Carbon Neutral--This eight-state project will amplify production of climate-smart beef by expanding market drivers, grassroots support networks, and early adopter mentors and providing technical assistance for the adoption of Climate-smart grazing practices to substantially reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. The project will also support farmers in protecting their land through permanent easements to help ensure that the soil health and climate benefits from those practices continue far into the future.
Lead Partner: American Farmland Trust
Major Partners: American Farmland Trust, The Integrity Beef Alliance, Indigo Ag, AgriWebb, Freedmen Heirs Foundation, Earth Optics, Regenified, OpenTEAM, U.S. Biochar Initiative, Virginia Forage and Grasslands Council, Maryland Grazers Network, Pennsylvania Grazing Lands Coalition, Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, Black Family Land Trust, Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont, and Farmer Veteran Coalition
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- Arkansas
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet AR (PDF, 303 KB)
BEACON Pilot: Farmers Guiding Farmers Towards Climate Smart Agriculture
This project plans to advance equity by minimizing transaction costs and addressing cultural dynamics for Black and indigenous producers by using a farmer-to-farmer collaborative training approach. Farmers would define culturally appropriate product labels, and partners would work to increase market access, specifically through marketing the value-add of using climate-smart practices like cover crops, no-till, tree planting and prescribed grazing.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, the Tallahassee Food Network, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Organic Farmers Association, Women Food and Agriculture Network, the Earth’s Garden Network
Major Commodities: Specialty and organic crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000Climate Resiliency for the Farm and Market Development: Economically Viable Low Carbon and Climate-Smart Practices for Soybean Farming
Team Climate-Smart Soybean plan to provide small/underserved soybean producers with sufficient incentives to encourage the use of climate-smart practices and participate in the development of markets and promotion of climate-smart soybeans. Participants would use cover crops, no-till, climate-smart soybeans, crop rotation, bio-fertilizers, and biochar. Led by a Hispanic-serving institution, project assistance would be provided in a culturally-relative approach.
Lead Partner: University of Texas at Arlington
Other Major Partners: Texas A&M AgriLife, University of Missouri, Tarleton State University
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,991,400Developing and Harnessing Climate-Smart Commodities from Hardwood Restoration for Small and Underserved Landowners in the Southern Bottomland Region
This project plans to focus on working with small scale and underserved landowners on marketing climate-smart wood products with support for bottomland hardwood afforestation and planting mixed hardwood oak plantations. Full technical and financial assistance is planned for landowners and demonstration sites. Partners plan to use a forest inventory system to monitor and assess tree stand structure, composition, and health status across the bottomland hardwood forests, and estimate carbon storage and evaluate indicator wildlife populations.
Lead Partner: University of Arkansas System
Other Major Partners: University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) (lead), University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), Texas A&M University
Major Commodities: Wood Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,710,000Improved Practices of Climate-Smart Livestock Production Systems and Agricultural Commodities while Enhancing Carbon Sequestration in the Southern USA: Innovating toward a new climate-smart commodity by investing in minority producers
The project plans to work with minority small producers to implement silvopasture systems and climate-resilient forage systems. Producers would receive incentives that enable their participation in climate-smart pilots and continued implementation, including reduced feed costs, carbon credit profits, and value-added products. Partners would create a mobile processing and marketing system to support the local, farm-direct meat production pipeline in a climate-conscious manner. The marketing pipeline combine farmers’ markets, local restaurants, craft butcher shops, and direct to-consumer approaches.
Lead Partner: Tuskegee University
Other Major Partners: Mississippi State University, Alabama A&M University, Langston University, Widget Development & Trading Company
Major Commodities: Sheep and Goats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,081,100Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers
All pilot participants would be paid a stipend to cover time spent on climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design. Each farm would also have access to incentive payments, dependent on their emissions reductions and specific implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. A Greener World plans to provide customized marketing support to all project producers. Partners would ensure all outreach and technical assistance efforts are culturally-relevant and would assist producers in becoming Certified Regenerative which allows them to access new climate-smart markets and sell commodities for a higher premium.
Lead Partner: Greener World
Other Major Partners: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, Sub-contractor/Evaluation Partner, Soil Health Institute (SHI), National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), National Co-op Grocers (NCG)Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA),"
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Beef, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,000,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute , Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
National Black Growers Council Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program
In this project, the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) plans to work with underserved farmers to test regenerative agricultural practices and determine which are best suited for various regions and farm types in the Southeast United States. Once complete, NBGC plans to scale up participation to include additional farmers , providing incentives to increase adoption of regenerative agricultural practices and leveraging market data to sell products to corporate partners who need to meet corporate sustainability goals.
Lead Partner: National Black Growers Council
Other Major Partners: Cargill, Bayer, Syngenta
Major Commodities: Cotton, corn, rice, soybeans, sugar cane, peanuts, canola, and grain sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,789,000
Southeast Arkansas Agricultural Cooperative and Multicultural Education Initiative
This project plans to provide a market platform for rice growers producing premium rice that is certified sustainably grown. Participating farmers may earn a premium and save in variable crop expenses. This project plans to establish an agricultural apprenticeship at a minority serving institution, increase the supply of climate-smart rice, and promote climate-smart practices through education and demonstration. This project would use a “whole farm” approach to climate-smart management with a specific emphasis on quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in rice production.
Lead Partner: Whitaker Grain
Other Major Partners: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, RiceTec, Ducks Unlimited
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000AGriCapture Climate-Friendly Rice
This project will benefit climate-smart farmers in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, and California while expanding climate-smart rice markets and guaranteeing a supply of climate-smart rice to customers. All farms will be certified under the ACFRS. This project plans direct incentive payment to producers for climate-smart practice implementation and identity preserved storage and potential crop premiums for producers who develop their own processing capabilities and markets. Planned practices include: alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigated rice, reduced burning of rice stubble, early incorporation of rice stubble into the soil, and various techniques for improving nitrogen fertilizer efficiency. The project plans to follow AgriCapture's Climate-Friendly ™ Rice Standard, which uses IPCC equations and DNDC modeling for GHG benefits; representative soil sampling; in-field data collection activities including drone footage, ground level photos and videos, etc.; and use of remote sensing technologies to monitor changes in practices. The project plans to leverage existing marketing and sales employees to develop the buyer market for climate smart rice. The project plans to assist 30 percent underserved or small producers.
Lead Partner: AgriCapture, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Univ. of MO*, Cedar Woods Consulting*, Dainty Foods, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Blue Apron, McKaskle Family Farm, Arkansas River Rice Mill, Anheuser-Busch
Primary States Expected: AR, CA, LA, MS, MO, TX
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,500,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate Smart Cotton through a Sustainable & Innovative Supply Chain Approach --This project will implement methods to restore soil and ecosystem health in cotton production through regenerative farming and best practices based on specific regions and needs.
Lead Partner: Ecom USA, LLC
Major Partners: ECOM USA, Earthworm. Quarterway Cotton Growers, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, University of Arkansas Coop Ext, CIBO Technologies, Control Union, 5 LOCCotton, Product DNA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Climate-Smart Grasslands: The Root of Agricultural Carbon Markets --A diverse partnership of 28 entities will develop climate-smart grasslands agriculture for the eastern US through a large-scale pilot project. The project collaborates with 245 working farms to install innovative, scientifically sound practices that improve soil carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain operational profitability and resiliency.
Lead Partner: The University of Tennessee
Major Partners: Univ. of AR, KY, MO AL Cooperative Extension, Clemson Univ., NC State University, Purdue Univ., TN State Univ., Univ. of TN, VA State University, and VA Tech, Tyson Foods Inc., JBS, Corteva, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Ecosystem Services Marketing Consortium, American Forage & Grassland Council, National Grazing Lands Coalition, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, multiple state cattle associations, American and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federations, The Nature Conservancy, American Bird Conservancy, Monarch Joint Venture, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, TN Department of Agriculture, MO Department of Conservation, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Major Commodities: Beef, Small Ruminants, Dairy, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Developing Climate-Smart Grain Markets in the Mid-South through Diverse Partnerships and a Farming-Systems Approach to Practice Integration to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
This project seeks to demonstrate the viability of growing climate-smart (CS) grains that are sold to poultry feed operations. This project will develop a pilot program for grain producers to utilize multiple climate-smart practices to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. The pilot program includes a monitoring /verification system, local climate-smart market opportunity for direct sale, and tracking CS grain to broiler operations. Soil sampling and GHG emissions monitoring is planned to be conducted on a subset of the incentivized acres and the data will be utilized to refine a generalized regional scale model of estimated suitability for climate smart systems and prediction of benefits. Verified GHG emissions reports and ownership of verified emission reductions is planned to be directly provided to producers as the owners. The project plans to establish a direct market for sale of climate-smart grains through partnerships with local poultry industries who source grain as a key feed ingredient. Historically underserved producers are planned to receive a 15% higher payment to incentivize climate smart practice implementation. The project plans for 50% of annual producer enrollment and incentive payments to be directed to minority or underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Mississippi State University**
Other Major Partners: Southern Ag Services, Inc.*, University of Arkansas*.**, Conservation Solutions LLC*, Alcorn State University*,**
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, LA, MS
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Poultry
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large-scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and historically underserved producers. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in CropTrak®, which offers a proprietary cloud and mobile platform to help food and beverage companies increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of their supply chain. Once this data is entered, related greenhouse gas emissions and GHG emission reductions are planned to be calculated through third-party calculators integrated into the USDA COMET-Farm platform. Elevated plans to leverage its expertise in marketing and branding to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers, to broadly communicate the value of climate-smart fruits and vegetables with customers in multiple market sectors from farmers’ markets consumers to global retailers. Materials created through this effort are planned to include branded stickers for produce; branded produce bags and boxes; and the development of videos, social media promotions, and printed materials to share the value of climate-smart produce with consumers. The project plans to commit at least 25 percent of budgeted funds for producer incentives to support small and historically underserved fruit and vegetable producers.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods**
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture*, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag*, Soil Health Academy*, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak*, Decade Impact*, Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops*
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Growing Value for Producers --This project will create and pilot-test a farmer-friendly system that builds capacity with institutions interacting with a range of producers, including underserved producers, to support adoption of climate smart practices and interact with commodity buyers in climate-smart markets.
Lead Partner: Winrock International Institute for Agriculture Development
Major Partners: Arva Intelligence, Blue Raster, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Riceland Foods Inc
Major Commodities: Rice, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Rice Stewardship Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities--This project will build climate-smart rice markets and work to reduce methane emissions in rice production through the adoption of alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigation, and other climate-smart practices and support historically underserved producers by improving critical infrastructure necessary to implement climate-smart practices in the future.
Lead Partner: USA Rice Federation, Inc
Major Partners: National Black Growers Council; Warehouses4Good; Entergy Corporation; Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; USA Rice; California Rice Commission; Delta F.A.R.M.; Walmart Corporation; Walmart Foundation; Nestle’ Purina PetCare Company; The Mosaic Company; RiceTec, Inc.; Anheuser-Busch; Riceland Foods; Delta Plastics; Corteva Agriscience; Field to Market; Arva Intelligence; Regrow; University of Arkansas; Mars; Kellogg’s.
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) Partnership: Supporting Agricultural Producers at All Scales to Deliver Productivity, Market Opportunities, and Enhanced Soil, Water, and Climate Benefits--This project will build climate-smart markets for a variety of agricutural commodities and help to make adopting climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices more economically viable for producers by compensating them at a rate that guarantees and reasonable return, with a price floor that surpasses costs..
Lead Partner: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Major Partners: Rural Partnership to Protect the Environment (RIPE), Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, North Dakota Farmers Union, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Arkansas Rice Federation, Agricultural Council of Arkansas, Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Assoc., Natl. Assoc. of Conservation Districts, National Black Growers Council, Sustainable Food Lab, Environmental Initiative, and Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR)
Major Commodities: Corn, Rice, Beef, Pork, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Supreme Rice, LLC's Climate-Smart Initiative to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Water Use Through the Adoption of Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation Practices in Rice Production
This project will expand climate-smart markets and provide financial incentives for underserved and small-scale rice producers to reduce methane emissions through alternate wetting and drying irrigation and adopt other sustainable growing practices to reduce emissions and water consumption. Project plans to offer financial incentives for changing management practices and reducing perceived risk barriers. A multi-faceted campaign is planned to educate consumers and recognized participating producers. Pre-established baselines are planned to be used to quantify methane emissions in rice by peer-reviewed research. Automated water level measuring devices, Crop Links, are planned to be deployed at a rate of 1 per every 100 acres.The project plans to design a campaign to educate consumers and bring recognition to the farmers and climate-smart commodities in the project. This campaign would be multi-faceted in nature, through the use of focused storytelling, TV Ads, Radio, YouTube Videos, Facebook Ads, Cooking shows, and Billboard Ads. Supreme plans to ensure that growers who fit the “underserved and small grower” category are informed and have every opportunity to participate in the program. The project expects to enroll 769 growers and 166,415 program acres attributed to underserved rice growers.
Lead Partner: Supreme Rice, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Southern University and A&M College*, Louisiana State University*,**, Louisiana Rice Growers, Arkansas Rice Growers
Primary States Expected: AR, LA
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- Arizona
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet AZ (PDF, 303 KB)
Building a Climate-Smart Domestic Rubber Industry and a Solution for Growers to a Water Crisis
This project will expand natural rubber production in the Southwest with lowered greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs in the region and for tribal stakeholders, and building a climate-smart rubber bioeconomy based on climate-smart and sustainable practices. This project plans to pay a per acre per year incentive, and fund planting, harvesting and delivery of the crop to the processing facility. The work proposed almost exclusively works with underserved and small producers, including the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Colorado River Tribes. The project aims to include marketing the rubber to Bridgestone, which is providing more than $35M in cost share to the project. The strategy would incorporate an integrated, robust, and comprehensive approach to data measurement and analysis, which includes soil carbon and plant measurements, ground level GHG measurements, flux tower measurements, soil carbon modeling, and holistic life cycle and techno-economic modeling. Data from field measurements and modeling is planned to be used to recommend large-scale adoption and feed directly into COMET-Farm and COMET-Planner. The project aims to include marketing the rubber to Bridgestone. Bridgestone is providing more than $35M in cost share, demonstrating its commitment to the development of the climate-smart natural rubber commodity. Bridgestone is currently pursuing numerous market areas and has already engaged prospective customers in many of those areas. Some specific market activities by co-product/product including natural rubber latex and resin. This project plans to pay a per acre per year incentive regardless of yield and fund planting, harvesting and delivery of the crop to the processing facility. The work proposed almost exclusively works with underserved and small producers, including the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Colorado River Tribes.
Lead Partner: University of Arizona
Other Major Partners: Bridgestone Americas, Inc.**, Colorado State University*, OpenET*, Tohono O'odham Nation, Colorado River Indian Tribes (Mohave, Chemeuvi, Hopi and Navajo peoples)
Primary States Expected: AZ, Tribal
Major Commodities: Natural Rubber
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Arizona Partnership for Climate-Smart Food Crops
The project would promote climate-smart food production practices including strip cropping, multi-story cropping and others for desert adapted crops within four agrisystems. Producers would receive payments for implementing and auditing these practices and for additional practices as well as technical assistance specialized based on culture, language and experience. Through its partners, the project creates a climate-smart logo, brand guide and messaging for multiple audiences and marketplaces such as chefs/restaurants, grocery stores, farmers market, and online markets. The project also plans to lease a commercial test kitchen for identifying culinary qualities of climate-smart crops, conducting consumer research, promoting a Desert Seed-to-Table program, and advancing retail market development and a consumer awareness campaign.
Lead Partner: University of Arizona
Other Major Partners: Tucson City of Gastronomy , Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Local First Arizona, University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables, Specialty Crops, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,782,300Climate-SMART (Specific Management for Arizona Resilience and Transformation) Agriculture Best Management Practices
Participants in this Arizona-based project would be paid to apply climate-smart practices that reduce pesticide and fertilizer inputs; reduce tillage, use diverse cover crop, rest pastures and use rotational grazing. The project would emphasize cross cultural knowledge sharing between Native American producers and other participants and would market climate-smart commodities through partnership networks.
Lead Partner: Arizona Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance, Arizona State University Kyl Center for Water Policy, ASU Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, ASU School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, ASU Global Institute of Sustainability, University of Arizona; Local First Arizona, Duncan Family Farms, Pinnacle Prevention, Soil Health Institute, Northern Arizona University, Organic Trade Association
Major Commodities: Organic crops and livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000Expanding Opportunities for Evidence-Based, Climate-Smart Grassfed Beef by Enhancing Income Streams through Retail Food Channels and Carbon Markets for a Producer Network Spanning the Rockies to NE US
This project aims to expand the climate-smart regenerative grassfed beef market with market incentives for producers to address the regenerative cost differential, product promotion activities to increase demand at the higher premium-price, and participation in a carbon-credit project to pay producers for carbon sequestration ecosystem services. The project would employ a model-based approach to capture the soil carbon dynamics of grazing practices, which requires calibration with locality-specific measurements of precipitation, temperature, soil, vegetation, etc. for statistical validity and high confidence level. The project plans to develop a simple, low-cost program for measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV) that farmers can easily and inexpensively administer to quantify management impacts on soil and biomass C stocks and GHG emissions for grazing land systems and climate-smart beef, employing on-the-ground measurement of soil carbon stocks, producer-sourced management information, and process-based models of grazing land carbon dynamics.
Lead Partner: TH Cattle Company, LLC
Other Major Partners: Western Sustainability Exchange, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Yard Stick, HowGood
Major Commodities: Beef & Livestock Grassfed beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,467,000
Farmer Cooperative-Led, Partnership-Driven Project for Implementing Novel Perennial Cover Crop Species in Specialty Crop Systems and Integrating with Innovative MRV and Carbon Market
In this pilot project, producers would receive cost-share, technical assistance, capital investment and marketing support for using Oakville bluegrass cover crop in their commercial specialty crop operations. In addition to the creation and sale of carbon offsets, Oakville bluegrass plantings would give producers the opportunity to engage in climate-smart insetting, the practice of applying GHG offsets to one’s own supply chain. The project partner would seek further underserved producer membership through co-op director Nav Athwal’s network of over 200 Punjabi American producers.
Lead Partner: Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative, Columbia River Seed, Vitidore, Radix Evergreen, California State University Chico
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Historically underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute , Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Southwest Hub of the Western Working Lands Climate-Smart Network
The Southwest Climate-Smart Working Lands Hub plans to empower Southwest tribal beef and pork producers and their trusted partners to collectively develop, implement, monitor, quantify and broker climate-smart livestock projects. Participants would benefit from reduced transaction costs and retaining more value of their goods and services in local communities. Through partnerships, the project would provide expertise on data collection and analysis and provide highly skilled sampling teams. The project would provide participants culturally-relevant technical assistance and assistance with entering and navigating the ecosystem service marketplace.
Lead Partner: Western Landowners Alliance
Other Major Partners: Working Lands Conservation, Indian Nations Conservation Alliance
Major Commodities: beef; pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,997,900Waste to Plate: Building Circular Economies and Shorter Supply Chains for Livestock Reared on Regenerating Dryland Range with Organic Amendments
Quivira Coalition and partners plans to work with project participants to produce biochar and compost and them on degraded rangeland to enhance ecological function, carbon sequestration, and forage production Each producer would receive a stipend to support their time towards producing, deploying, monitoring, and communicating with technical support providers, host fees to support the workshop, and supplies. This project would provide direct technical support to help producers finish animals on grass, optimize carcasses for their particular customer base, and build the tools, such as an online shopping cart or a social media presence, for region-based marketing.
Lead Partner: Quivira Coalition
Other Major Partners: Reunity Resources, Trollworks, Wilson Biocha, Southwest Grassfed Livestock Alliance, Good Meat Project, Polk’s Folly Farm, Kathryn Bedell, Creighton Robinson, Dixon Water Foundation, Weaver Ranch, Colorado State University, Dixon Water Foundation; Trilogy Beef Community; Roan Creck Ranch
Major Commodities: Grassfed beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,536,000Building a Climate Smart Domestic Rubber Industry and a Solution for Growers to a Water Crisis--This project will expand natural rubber production in the Southwest with lowered greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs in the region and for tribal stakeholders and building a rubber bioeconomy based on climate-smart and sustainable practices.
Lead Partner: University of Arizona
Major Partners: University of Arizona, Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Colorado State University, OpenET, Eight REgional growers, Tohono O'odham Nation, Colorado River indian Tribes (Mohave, Chemeuvi, Hopi and Navajo peoples)
Major Commodities: Natural Rubber
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large-scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and historically underserved producers. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in CropTrak®, which offers a proprietary cloud and mobile platform to help food and beverage companies increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of their supply chain. Once this data is entered, related greenhouse gas emissions and GHG emission reductions are planned to be calculated through third-party calculators integrated into the USDA COMET-Farm platform. Elevated plans to leverage its expertise in marketing and branding to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers, to broadly communicate the value of climate-smart fruits and vegetables with customers in multiple market sectors from farmers’ markets consumers to global retailers. Materials created through this effort are planned to include branded stickers for produce; branded produce bags and boxes; and the development of videos, social media promotions, and printed materials to share the value of climate-smart produce with consumers. The project plans to commit at least 25 percent of budgeted funds for producer incentives to support small and historically underserved fruit and vegetable producers.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods**
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture*, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag*, Soil Health Academy*, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak*, Decade Impact*, Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops*
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- California
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet CA (PDF, 313 KB)
Building the Climate-Smart Wood Economy
This project brings together Tribal, small family forest, and nonprofit wood producers with data scientists and the design and construction industry to manage and restore tens of thousands of acres in Oregon. The project will quantify the positive impacts of climate-smart management on carbon sequestration, wildfire intensity, and cultural values, and will also build resources for project teams to navigate climate-smart markets for wood procurement through pre-design, design, and construction phases and support sale. Carbon impacts of climate-smart timber purchasing is planned to be estimated by comparing the difference in carbon intensity for participating landowners against regional benchmarks of the carbon intensity of commodity timber production from industrial forestlands. Forest biomass and carbon stocks are planned to be measured using satellite imagery. A simple user-friendly web application is also planned to be scoped and developed to deliver carbon impact metrics per unit of roundwood which can then be converted into carbon impacts for specific end-products. The project work plans to recognize and make accessible the entirety of the Pacific Northwest climate-smart timber supply chain, track and trace the flow of fiber from source forests, through mills and processing, and into ten construction projects. To allow the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) community to differentiate between wood products based on forest carbon and associated ecosystem impacts, the project plans to build a simple, user-friendly web application that covers the contiguous U.S. This tool is planned to be designed with input from the intended end users, the AEC community, to ensure meeting their needs and providing them with an easy to use solution. In addition, contract payments to sawmills is planned to drive participation to grow transparency and data about log supply, as well as offer price premiums for sales of climate-smart wood to an interested buyer. Landowner sales incentives are planned to offer a premium to landowners for selling their wood to a participating sawmill. Producer payments are planned to focus on tribal partners, supporting culturally informed forest restoration work that partners would like to pursue on ancestral lands. Ecotrust also plans to engage in technical assistance and co-production of forest impact assessment deep dives involving Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV) activities with several tribes. These deep dives will characterize embodied carbon and other quantifiable impacts associated with tribal forest management. The intent of these deep dives is to increase tribal capacity and readiness to engage in marketing of tribal timber as a climate-smart commodity.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: EcoTrust*,**, Northwest Natural Resources Group*,**, Trout Mountain Forestry*,**, Vibrant Planet Data Commons*,**, Washington Conservation Action*,**, Virbrant Planet Public Benefit Corporation*,**, Pierce Conservation District*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000A Multi-Faceted Approach to Incentivizing Woody Perennial Growers to Establish Cover Crops in Orchards in Four Diverse Regions of the United States
Through this project, producers with orchards would receive financial incentives and technical assistance to incorporate cover crops into their operations. Project partners plan to help market these climate-smart fruits and nuts in areas that typically have less access to fresh food. About one-third of the project participants would be smaller-sized operations and partners plan to work to include minority owned orchards.
Lead Partner: Agoro Carbon Alliance US, Inc
Other Major Partners: Agoro Carbon Alliance, California Walnut Board and Commission, GO Seed, Padilla, FoodMinds
Major Commodities: Fruits and Nuts
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,800,000
Developing Capacity to Quantify Climate-Smart Practices in Cool Season Specialty Crops
This project would provide advanced, technical assistance in English and Spanish to underserved and small grower partner operations to reduce nitrogen fertilizer use, plant cover crops and use soil amendments. Growers would receive mini-grants to monitor and report grower experience and conservation outcomes related to the implementation of proposed practices. Bilingual student Climate-Smart Ag Ambassadors plan to work directly with technical assistance staff and farmers to alleviate communication barriers and provide direct on-farm outreach to growers through field demonstration days.
Lead Partner: University Corporation at Monterey Bay
Other Major Partners: Huntington Farms, RCD of Monterey County, University of California Cooperative Extension, Agrology, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,990Expanding Opportunities for Evidence-Based, Climate-Smart Grassfed Beef by Enhancing Income Streams through Retail Food Channels and Carbon Markets for a Producer Network Spanning the Rockies to NE US
This project aims to expand the climate-smart regenerative grassfed beef market with market incentives for producers to address the regenerative cost differential, product promotion activities to increase demand at the higher premium-price, and participation in a carbon-credit project to pay producers for carbon sequestration ecosystem services. The project would employ a model-based approach to capture the soil carbon dynamics of grazing practices, which requires calibration with locality-specific measurements of precipitation, temperature, soil, vegetation, etc. for statistical validity and high confidence level. The project plans to develop a simple, low-cost program for measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV) that farmers can easily and inexpensively administer to quantify management impacts on soil and biomass C stocks and GHG emissions for grazing land systems and climate-smart beef, employing on-the-ground measurement of soil carbon stocks, producer-sourced management information, and process-based models of grazing land carbon dynamics.
Lead Partner: TH Cattle Company, LLC
Other Major Partners: Western Sustainability Exchange, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Yard Stick, HowGood
Major Commodities: Grassfed beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,467,000
Native Food Crops for Innovative Climate-Smart Production Models and Supply Chains – The Case of Blue Elderberry in the West
The project aims to assist early-adopter Tribal, underserved and small-scale producers to successfully produce a marketable elderberry crop from perennial planting, measure carbon sequestration and develop local processing capacity. Producers would receive an incentive payment per linear foot of elderberry planting, to cover the costs of establishment, maintenance, and the implementation of the additional suite of climate-smart agriculture practices. The project would identify potential sales channels (including local direct sales, value-added products, sales to identified and potential companies/distributors/brands, and Indigenous tribal communities), provide processing capabilities, and develop marketing materials.
Lead Partner: White Buffalo Land Trust
Other Major Partners: Jalama Canyon Ranch; Ted Chamberlin Ranch, Wild Farmlands Foundation; Orella Ranch, and The Santa Ynez Chumash Environmental Office (SYCEO)- Camp 4. The two outreach and advisory partners are Community Environmental Council and The Regents of the University of California – Agriculture and Natural Resources (e.g. UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program)
Major Commodities: Elderberries, Beef and Livestock (Silvopasture systems)
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,633,900
Production and Application of Biochar in Agricultural Practices at Small and Underserved Farms: Soil Enhancement, Carbon Sequestration, and promoting Climate-Smart Commodities
This project, led by minority serving university Florida A&M, plans to develop biochar-based climate-smart practices and technologies that may be implemented on farms, especially on underserved farms, and to market the resulting climate-smart commodities. In addition to free training and consulting, the producers are planned to receive a financial stimulus per acre of farmland used to implement climate-smart practices using biochar such as soil amendment, water infiltration and manure composting. Partner institutes and companies plan to contract with the landowners and producers to purchase some of the resulting commodities for research, product development, and food manufacturing purposes.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of California, Davis; Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability, Current foods, Florida Food Products, LLC., New North Florida Cooperative, California Almond Board, International Fresh Produce Association
Major Commodities: Legumes, leafy green vegetables, hemp, citrus
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,855,000
Farmer Cooperative-Led, Partnership-Driven Project for Implementing Novel Perennial Cover Crop Species in Specialty Crop Systems and Integrating with Innovative MRV and Carbon Market
In this pilot project, producers would receive cost-share, technical assistance, capital investment and marketing support for using Oakville bluegrass cover crop in their commercial specialty crop operations. In addition to the creation and sale of carbon offsets, Oakville bluegrass plantings would give producers the opportunity to engage in climate-smart insetting, the practice of applying GHG offsets to one’s own supply chain. The project partner would seek further underserved producer membership through co-op director Nav Athwal’s network of over 200 Punjabi American producers.
Lead Partner: Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative, Columbia River Seed, Vitidore, Radix Evergreen, California State University Chico
Major Commodities: Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000
Foodshed Small Farm Distro and Resource Hub Climate-Smart Incentive Pilot
The Climate-Smart Incentive Pilot would generate economic opportunities and provide direct incentives to small and socially disadvantaged specialty crop farmers in San Diego County for improving soil health through compost application, reduced tillage and tree/shrub establishment and quantifying GHG reductions. Project partners plan to address equity by reducing barriers caused by language, and limited access to equipment and information.
Lead Partner: Foodshed, Inc
Other Major Partners: Community Health Improvement Partners' Farm to Institution Center, County of San Diego Department of Health, Southern California Resource Conservation District, Zero Foodprint, Johnny's Selected Seeds, and San Diego Food System Alliance
Major Commodities: Fruit, vegetables and specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999
Launching The North Valley Food Hub for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project plans to work collaboratively with regional small and historically underserved producers to launch the North Valley Food Hub for Climate-Smart Agriculture. The Hub plans to provide farm-to-fork integration through marketing and sales support for project climate-smart commodities by consolidating transaction costs, creating a one-stop shopping platform for buyers and a marketplace for growers to post and promote their products. The project plans to support producers in implementing a variety of climate-smart cover crops; no-till or minimum-till practices; nutrient management; enhanced efficiency fertilizers; planting for high carbon sequestration rates; and soil amendments. An incentive payment is planned to be offered for each producer implementing an advanced practice.
Lead Partner: Chico State Enterprises
Other Major Partners: Butte County Farm Bureau; North State Hulling Cooperative, Douglass Ranch; GRUB Farms; Chico State Organic Vegetable Project, Chico State Basic Needs Hungry Wildcat Pantry
Major Commodities: Almonds, walnuts, rice, tomatoes, peaches, prunes
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,800Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute , Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000A vibrant future: Pilot projects for climate-smart fruit and vegetable production, marketing, and valuation of ecosystem services --This project will incentivize growers of specialty crops to adopt climate-smart production in order to establish a consumer-driven, climate-smart market for fruits and vegetables grown using climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: International Fresh Produce Association.
Major Partners: International Fresh Produce Association, University of Florida, CropTrak, Frehner-Jens Consulting, Clark McDowall Brand Architecture Company, Alcorn State University, Measure to Improve, LLC, MS Small Farm and Agribusiness Center at Alcorn State, Alamo Farms, Bayer, Bland Farms, Bolthouse Farms, Calavo, Campbell Soup Company, Del-Monte, Driscoll's, Limoneira, Monterey Pacific, Noble Produce Holdings, Sun Pacific
Major Commodities: Berries, Grapes, Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000AGriCapture Climate-Friendly Rice
This project will benefit climate-smart farmers in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, and California while expanding climate-smart rice markets and guaranteeing a supply of climate-smart rice to customers. All farms will be certified under the ACFRS. This project plans direct incentive payment to producers for climate-smart practice implementation and identity preserved storage and potential crop premiums for producers who develop their own processing capabilities and markets. Planned practices include: alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigated rice, reduced burning of rice stubble, early incorporation of rice stubble into the soil, and various techniques for improving nitrogen fertilizer efficiency. The project plans to follow AgriCapture's Climate-Friendly ™ Rice Standard, which uses IPCC equations and DNDC modeling for GHG benefits; representative soil sampling; in-field data collection activities including drone footage, ground level photos and videos, etc.; and use of remote sensing technologies to monitor changes in practices. The project plans to leverage existing marketing and sales employees to develop the buyer market for climate smart rice. The project plans to assist 30 percent underserved or small producers.
Lead Partner: AgriCapture, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Univ. of MO*, Cedar Woods Consulting*, Dainty Foods, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Blue Apron, McKaskle Family Farm, Arkansas River Rice Mill, Anheuser-Busch
Primary States Expected: AR, CA, LA, MS, MO, TX
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,500,000Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
California Dairy Research Foundation Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities Project --This project will build climate-smart dairy markets provide financial incentives for dairy producers to adopt climate-smart manure management practices to reduce methane emissions, leveraging matching funding from non-federal sources.
Lead Partner: California Dairy Research Foundation
Major Partners: California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, California Milk Advisory Board, Dairy Cares, California Dairy Campaign, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, Milk Producers Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Sustainable Conservation, Western United Dairies, California Farm Bureau Federation, University of California, Davis, University of California, Riverside, University of California Cooperative Extension, Truterra, California Dairies, Inc., Challenge Dairy Products, Nestlé
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $85,000,000Climate Beneficial Fiber: Building New, Accessible, and Equitable Market Opportunities for Climate-Smart Cotton and Wool
This project will expand the existing Climate Beneficial™ fiber program: a system for sequestering carbon, regenerating soil health and resilience, improving social equity, and bolstering America's ability to produce climate-smart fiber. A newly created, open-source, Carbon Farm Planning and Verification Platform will streamline climate-smart agriculture planning and verification for producers, verifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The project plans to have a trained Planner monitor implementation, ensuring that practices are implemented in accordance with practice standard criteria linked to the COMET tools. A Portal database architecture is planned to allow for anticipated and realized GHG benefits to be queried by project, region, commodity, or dollar expended, allowing these data to be aggregated and analyzed at various scales. Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation.
Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation. This project aims to meet the equity goals of the Justice40 Initiative, directing at least 40% of project benefits to small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource, and women farmers, as well as producers growing specialty crops.
Lead Partner: National Center for Appropriate Technology, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Carbon Cycle Institute*,**, Colorado State University Dept of Soil and Crop Sciences*, Fibershed*,**, Seed 2 Shirt*,**, New York Textile Lab*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, GA, IN, MT, NC, NY, SD, TN, WY
Major Commodities: Sheep, Wool, Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large-scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and historically underserved producers. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in CropTrak®, which offers a proprietary cloud and mobile platform to help food and beverage companies increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of their supply chain. Once this data is entered, related greenhouse gas emissions and GHG emission reductions are planned to be calculated through third-party calculators integrated into the USDA COMET-Farm platform. Elevated plans to leverage its expertise in marketing and branding to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers, to broadly communicate the value of climate-smart fruits and vegetables with customers in multiple market sectors from farmers’ markets consumers to global retailers. Materials created through this effort are planned to include branded stickers for produce; branded produce bags and boxes; and the development of videos, social media promotions, and printed materials to share the value of climate-smart produce with consumers. The project plans to commit at least 25 percent of budgeted funds for producer incentives to support small and historically underserved fruit and vegetable producers.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods**
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture*, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag*, Soil Health Academy*, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak*, Decade Impact*, Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops*
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Rice Stewardship Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities--This project will build climate-smart rice markets and work to reduce methane emissions in rice production through the adoption of alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigation, and other climate-smart practices and support historically underserved producers by improving critical infrastructure necessary to implement climate-smart practices in the future.
Lead Partner: USA Rice Federation, Inc
Major Partners: National Black Growers Council; Warehouses4Good; Entergy Corporation; Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; USA Rice; California Rice Commission; Delta F.A.R.M.; Walmart Corporation; Walmart Foundation; Nestle’ Purina PetCare Company; The Mosaic Company; RiceTec, Inc.; Anheuser-Busch; Riceland Foods; Delta Plastics; Corteva Agriscience; Field to Market; Arva Intelligence; Regrow; University of Arkansas; Mars; Kellogg’s.
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
Sonoma Marin Ag and County Climate Coalition--This project will build on successful carbon farming and local/regional food systems partnerships across two counties in the San Fransisco Bay Area. The purpose is to expand climate-smart markets, including a regional supply chain & innovative marketing campaign for climate smart agricultural products. This will create a regional carbon finance program that is sustainable and scale implementation for the long term.
Lead Partner: County of Sonoma
Major Partners: Agricultural Institute of Marin, Marin Resource Conservation District, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District, Sonoma Resource Conservation District, Carbon Cycle Institute, Sonoma County Department of Agriculture, Sonoma County Regional Climate, Protection Authority Marin Agricultural Land Trust, UC Cooperative Extension Marin, UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma, MarinCAN, Marin County Sustainability Team, Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Marin County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measure, Marin County Cooperation Team, Sanzuma, and LookInto
Major Commodities: Grapes, Fruit Trees, Vegetables, Beef, Dairy, Fiber, Aquaculture, Nursery stock, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Unlocking the Benefits of Regenerative Almonds: Partnerships to Develop and Expand Global Climate-Smart Market Opportunities through Grower Incentives
This project will promote the adoption of climate-smart and regenerative practices on California almond farms, including those operated by underserved producers, and expand market opportunities for climate-smart almonds through development of verified claims, business-to-business reporting, and supply-chain greenhouse gas quantification. This will support the development of a market-based mechanism for almond buyers and incentivize almond growers to adopt climate-smart practices. The project plans to provide incentives for almond grower adoption of cover crops, conservation cover, hedgerows, and whole orchard recycling. The project plans to develop a third-party verification and chain of custody system to support marketing efforts. And explore how to best leverage products as propriety brands or ingredient products sold to other food companies, or both. The project plans to have all growers quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits using the COMET Planner Tool as employed in California for the CDFA Healthy Soils Program. The project also plans to develop a system of monitoring, reporting, and third-party verification of climate-smart practices. The project plans to engage third-party verification and chain of custody systems to support climate-smart claims that relate to product labeling needs and customer expectations. Upon establishment of these systems, Blue Diamond Growers will convene meetings with key internal leaders, consumer insights analysts, and financial analysts to explore how to best leverage product claims resulting from this program with either proprietary brands or ingredient products sold to other food companies, or both. Upon establishment of these systems, Blue Diamond Growers will convene meetings with key internal leaders, consumer insights analysts, and financial analysts to explore how to best leverage product claims resulting from this program with either proprietary brands or ingredient products sold to other food companies, or both. About 85% of the requested funds are planned to go to specialty crop growers of almonds to implement Climate Smart practices.
Lead Partner: Blue Diamond Growers**
Other Major Partners: Cool Farm Alliance Pollinator Partnership*, Project Apis*, SureHarvest, Where Food Comes From, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Primary States Expected: CA
Major Commodities: Almonds
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000
- Colorado
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet CO (PDF, 304 KB)
Industrial Hemp for Fiber and Grain
This project aims to expand climate-smart markets and remedy lack of available data on environmentally beneficial practices for hemp production by providing open-accessible data and training and enabling monetization of climate-smart practices through a pilot designation in a digital marketplace. Additionally, this project develops an inclusive workforce that specializes in implementation of climate-smart practices by engaging underserved producers and financially supporting them as they learn these practices. Project plans to provide participating underserved producers an incentive payment, technical assistance, marketing assistance, and the revenue from the climate-smart hemp produced. Planned practices include cover crops and nutrient management.
Lead Partner: Iconoclast Industries, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Cedar Meadow Farm LLC*, University of Florida*, Stockton University*, Florida Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, SB Friedman Development Advisors, M4MM*, Canndigenous, EntreVation LLC, Legacy Farms Group, Delta Agriculture*, Auredia*, Validere*, Bravo Logistics, Highway Vodka
Primary States Expected: CO, FL, NE, NY, OK, PA, TX, VA, WI
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000Arizona Partnership for Climate-Smart Food Crops
The project would promote climate-smart food production practices including strip cropping, multi-story cropping and others for desert adapted crops within four agrisystems. Producers would receive payments for implementing and auditing these practices and for additional practices as well as technical assistance specialized based on culture, language and experience. Through its partners, the project creates a climate-smart logo, brand guide and messaging for multiple audiences and marketplaces such as chefs/restaurants, grocery stores, farmers market, and online markets. The project also plans to lease a commercial test kitchen for identifying culinary qualities of climate-smart crops, conducting consumer research, promoting a Desert Seed-to-Table program, and advancing retail market development and a consumer awareness campaign.
Lead Partner: University of Arizona
Other Major Partners: Tucson City of Gastronomy , Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Local First Arizona, University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables, Specialty Crops, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,782,300Colorado Hub of the Western Working Lands Climate-Smart Network
Participating producers would receive financial assistance for implementing climate-smart practices in beef production and monitoring project outcomes. The project would model a successful, durable, and transferable climate-smart commodities market model to regenerate working landscapes.
Lead Partner: Western Landowners Alliance
Other Major Partners: Working Lands Conservation, National Latino Farmers and Ranchers, Central Colorado Conservancy
Major Commodities: beef; pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,960Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.
Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500
Waste to Plate: Building Circular Economies and Shorter Supply Chains for Livestock Reared on Regenerating Dryland Range with Organic Amendments
Quivira Coalition and partners plans to work with project participants to produce biochar and compost and them on degraded rangeland to enhance ecological function, carbon sequestration, and forage production Each producer would receive a stipend to support their time towards producing, deploying, monitoring, and communicating with technical support providers, host fees to support the workshop, and supplies. This project would provide direct technical support to help producers finish animals on grass, optimize carcasses for their particular customer base, and build the tools, such as an online shopping cart or a social media presence, for region-based marketing.
Lead Partner: Quivira Coalition
Other Major Partners: Reunity Resources, Trollworks, Wilson Biocha, Southwest Grassfed Livestock Alliance, Good Meat Project, Polk’s Folly Farm, Kathryn Bedell, Creighton Robinson, Dixon Water Foundation, Weaver Ranch, Colorado State University, Dixon Water Foundation; Trilogy Beef Community; Roan Creck Ranch
Major Commodities: Grassfed beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,536,000ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-Smart Camelina --This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Major Commodities: Camelina
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West
This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to verify GHG benefits. In addition, Colorado State University will study impact and adoption of climate-smart soil health practices. The project plans to use a STAR Rating System to market & receive premium for climate-smart products. Branding opportunities for STAR related products will be used. The project plans to support multiple underserved producers with financial assistance. To ensure equitable administration that includes small / underserved producers, improved understanding and awareness of climate-smart commodities among small and underserved producers, expand their access to participation and reduce market entry risk, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) and others to help guide recruitment and peer to peer learning.
Lead Partner: Colorado Department of Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District*, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts & Conservation Districts in other states*,**, Colorado Open Lands*, Colorado State University*, National Center for Appropriate Technology*, Sangre de Cristo Association of Acequias, Univ. of Idaho, Montana State Univ., New Mexico State Univ., Utah State University, Univ. of Wyoming, Audubon Society, Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, Acres USA, Quivira Coalition, Yardstick, Zero Foodprint, Bob’s Red Mill, Quinn Snacks, Groundup Consulting*,
Primary States Expected: CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WA, WY
Major Commodities: Beef, Corn, Grains
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000National Sorghum Producers Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will implement climate-smart production practices across hundreds of thousands of acres of sorghum working lands, with the goal of reducing hundreds of millions of pounds of carbon emissions and developing markets for sorghum as a climate-smart commodity. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in an established and proprietary EcoPractices platform, a platform currently used by Nestlé and Danone to track and monitor climate-smart practices implemented by other commodity farmers in select and limited areas of their supply chains. Furthermore, GHG benefits beyond the farmgate plan to be quantified using the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) model. In addition to farm-level monitoring of practices using the EcoPractices platform, the project plans to engage Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU; Texas Tech University, an HSI; Texas A&M University, an HSI; and Kansas State University to execute a technical program aimed at quantifying the value of emissions reductions associated with irrigation water use reduction and nitrate leaching, volatilization and runoff mitigation techniques. The project plans to collaborate with sorghum producers to take advantage of added value, primarily in the California fuel market with climate-smart sorghum being sold to ethanol companies for use in ethanol production, resulting in low carbon fuel credits for fuel purchasers and an incremental market premium for sorghum producers. The project plans for a minimum percentage of this project’s budgeted funds and technical assistance for small and historically underserved sorghum producers/landowners. Partners will conduct outreach to Black, woman, and Native farmers specifically.
Lead Partner: National Sorghum Producers Association**
Other Major Partners: KS Black Farmers Assoc.; Peoria Tribe of Indians of OK; KS AgriWomen; Women Managing the Farm; CO, KS, NM, OK & TX Sorghum Assocs; United Sorghum Checkoff, Prairie View A&M*, CO State, TX Tech*, TX A&M*, KS State* and OK State Univ.; NM & KS Depts of Agriculture; Field to Market; RIPE; Trust in Food™; Natl. Cotton Council; Amer. Coalit. for Ethanol; KS Water, Pheasants/Quail Forever*; Salk Institute; Danforth Center*; Galvanize Clim. Solut.; Arable*; Argonne Natl Lab; Sust Envir Consult*; ServiTech*,**; Danone; Kashi; Bayer Crop Sci; ADM; Conestoga Energy; KS Ethanol; Pratt, West Plains & Energy; Nu Life Market; CoBank; & High Plains Farm Credit; Northrup.ag*,**, Pinion*, White Energy, Carbon A List*, Sero Ag. Strategies*
Primary States Expected: CO, KS, NM, OK, TX, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $65,000,000Reducing GHG Emissions and Improving Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential through High-Carbon Soil Amendment
This pilot project will support expansion of climate-smart markets and implementation of climate-smart practices to augment conservation Best Management Practices and generate reference data to support development of regionally optimized ecosystem services models. The geographic focus of this project (CO, NE, WY, MT) has naturally low basal soil organic carbon, which means greater sequestration potential. Western Sugar Cooperative will use its close ties to the farmer and access to extensive production records to conduct high-level impact modeling using COMET to educate growers and build momentum for broad participation in an ecosystem services exchange. This project focuses on creating new value for Climate-Smart Sugar. Sugar users desire sustainable sugar. Fulfillment of most sugar user’s quantitative corporate sustainability goals relies heavily on domestic farmers. Currently, impact tracking is taxing for farmers, has high degrees of uncertainty, and likely results in double counting within the value chain. Using the cooperative structure to co-market ecosystem services will create competition for these valuable GHG benefits by allowing the farmers to fulfill a greater diversity of demand (e.g., CPGs, retailers, off-sets, public, etc.) and eventually spur incentives from the users of the Climate-Smart sugar. Farmers meeting the USDA definition of historically underserved are planned to receive 125% of the incentive with a 150% incentive for any implementation on Crow Tribe cropland: two-thirds to the farmer and one-third to the landowner.
Lead Partner: The Western Sugar Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Crow Tribe, Panhandle Research and Extension Center at the University of Nebraska*,**; Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion at University of Wyoming**; Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center; Colorado State University*
Primary States Expected: CO, MT, NE, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sugar beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $6,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
- Connecticut
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet CT (PDF, 303 KB)
Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Improving Forest Carbon Sequestration and Storage by Establishing Supply Chains for Low-Quality Wood Material and Incentivizing Sustainable Forestry Practices
This project pilots an incentives program to advance sustainable climate-smart forest management and create additional low-quality climate-smart wood market supply chains. Nearly every participant would be small scale or underserved, who would receive direct payments for retaining larger and higher quality trees. The project's partners would market the resulting climate-smart commodities, leveraging their well-established working relationships with buyers who require the low-quality wood material.
Lead Partner: AMRO United Corporation
Other Major Partners: LBS Ecological, Green Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services, Future Forest Management, Craver Logging, Welch Logging, Sawtooth Forestry
Major Commodities: Wood Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,800,000
Creating Climate-Smart Commodities through Enhanced Rock Weathering in Agricultural Settings
Project participants would use basalt dust instead of agricultural lime to increase soil pH through a method known as Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), which speeds up a natural carbon sequestration process. Project funds would be used to cover all material, application, and monitoring costs for farmers as well as developing markets for the low-carbon carbon smart commodities grown by participating farmers. The project plans to determine the extent to which this process can increase crop yields, reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions (N2O), and decrease fertilizer and lime costs, much of which may benefit underserved agricultural producers at a time of record high input costs and increasing economic pressures.
Lead Partner: Yale University
Other Major Partners: Yale University, Georgia Inst. of Technology, Grodan, Agoro Carbon Alliance, Black Oaks Center, The Land Connection, Zumwalt Acres, Farm Foundation, Carolina Sunrock, Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC), American Peanut Council (APC)
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,898,700Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000New England Climate-Smart Forest Partnership Project
This project will implement forest management practices with large commercial producers and smaller woodlot and Tribal owners to store more carbon in the forest, quantify the resulting carbon gains, and build markets for climate-smart forest products to store carbon in wood products and substitute wood products for fossil fuel-based materials. The project aims to include Climate-smart forestry practices like reduced impact logging, timber stand improvement thinning, maintaining legacy trees and brown ash as a component of New England’s forest, as well as maintain cultural integrity and economy of First Nations. This project plans to utilize the monitoring and verification program created by AFF and TNC for the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) that provides a sophisticated methodology for determining carbon stocking and can differentiate between areas treated with practices and the surrounding landscape. The program plans to advance markets for climate-smart forest products with a focus on high-value wood in the mass timber sector. The project plans to engage affordable housing agencies across the region in utilizing mass timber construction. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production.
Lead Partner: New England Forestry Foundation**
Other Major Partners: Seven Islands, Weyerhauser, Wagner Woodlands, Baskahegan, Robbins Lumber, Pasamoquoddy Forestry Dept, UMaine*,**, Nature Conservancy, Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership, Mass Tree Farm Program, Hull Forestlands, Heyes Family Forests, Trust to Conserve Northeast forestlands*,**, American Forest Foundation*,**, Spatial informatic group*, Innov. Natural Res. Solutions*, Spritios Properties, LLC*,**, Leers Weinzapfel Assoc*,**, Quantified Ventures*,**, Woodworks*, Forest Stewards Guild, Mas Audobon, Our climate common, Highstead Foundation, Mass Forest Alliance, CT Forest & Park Assoc, Appalach. Mtn Club. Mass Woodlands Institute,Tom Walker*, John Hagen*, Daigneault Consulting*
Primary States Expected: ME, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
- District of Columbia
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet DC (PDF, 298 KB)
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000
- Delaware
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet DE (PDF, 302 KB)
Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute , Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.
Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
- Florida
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet FL (PDF, 311 KB)
A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Impact of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa) and Soil Microalgae Consortium (Chlorella spp and Scenedesmus spp) as High-Efficiency Carbon Sequestration Model Plants: Implications for Climate Change and Soil Improvement
Industrial hemp for fiber would be cultivated and marketed in the southeastern United States as a high efficiency carbon sequestration and a climate-smart commodity crop. The project plans to provide financial assistance to small and/or underserved farmers to implement Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. The National Hemp Growers Cooperative, LLC (NHGC) would engage industry partners to create markets for processing industrial hemp into several climate-smart commodities. While developing markets for farmers, the NHGC plan to buy all industrial hemp from all farmers during the duration the grant.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Alabama A&M University, Southern University, University of Florida (UF-IFAS)
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,990,000
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Incentivizing Woody Perennial Growers to Establish Cover Crops in Orchards in Four Diverse Regions of the United States
Through this project, producers with orchards would receive financial incentives and technical assistance to incorporate cover crops into their operations. Project partners plan to help market these climate-smart fruits and nuts in areas that typically have less access to fresh food. About one-third of the project participants would be smaller-sized operations and partners plan to work to include minority owned orchards.
Lead Partner: Agoro Carbon Alliance US, Inc
Other Major Partners: Agoro Carbon Alliance, California Walnut Board and Commission, GO Seed, Padilla, FoodMinds
Major Commodities: Fruits and Nuts
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,800,000
BEACON Pilot: Farmers Guiding Farmers Towards Climate Smart Agriculture
This project plans to advance equity by minimizing transaction costs and addressing cultural dynamics for Black and indigenous producers by using a farmer-to-farmer collaborative training approach. Farmers would define culturally appropriate product labels, and partners would work to increase market access, specifically through marketing the value-add of using climate-smart practices like cover crops, no-till, tree planting and prescribed grazing.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, the Tallahassee Food Network, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Organic Farmers Association, Women Food and Agriculture Network, the Earth’s Garden Network
Major Commodities: Specialty and organic crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000Hispanic Climate-Smart Commodities Initiative
This project plans to work with Puerto Rico and Florida Hispanic pasture and forage farmers to diversify and increase production while managing climate-smart farming methods and quantifying environmental outcomes. Project partners would address cultural and language barriers to provide technical assistance for implementing practices and marketing their beef in new revenue streams. Farmers with under 100 acres under management would be offered a higher flat fee per year.
Lead Partner: Victus Puerto Rico Inc
Other Major Partners: mano-Y-ola, LLC, Bien-Estar Agrícola LLC PR, Fundación Santa Elena de la Sabana Inc PR, Ponce Municipal Administration PR
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,926,300
Improving Access to Grazing Resources for Native American Farmers and Ranchers
Native American farmers and ranchers would receive technical assistance and education, and at least $1 million in direct payments to support the adoption of climate-smart practices like rotational grazing and planting of native grasses. Partners plan to assist participants with validating greenhouse gas emission reductions and marketing climate-smart commodities, including creating marketable emission offsets or credits.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal Agricultural Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farm Journal Foundation, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, and the Yield Lab Institute
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,925,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute , Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
National Black Growers Council Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program
In this project, the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) plans to work with historically underserved farmers to test regenerative agricultural practices and determine which are best suited for various regions and farm types in the Southeast United States. Once complete, NBGC plans to scale up participation to include additional farmers a, providing incentives to increase adoption of regenerative agricultural practices and leveraging market data to sell products to corporate partners who need to meet corporate sustainability goals.
Lead Partner: National Black Growers Council
Other Major Partners: Cargill, Bayer, Syngenta
Major Commodities: Cotton, corn, rice, soybeans, sugar cane, peanuts, canola, and grain sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,789,000
Production and Application of Biochar in Agricultural Practices at Small and Underserved Farms: Soil Enhancement, Carbon Sequestration, and promoting Climate-Smart Commodities
This project, led by minority serving university Florida A&M, plans to develop biochar-based climate-smart practices and technologies that may be implemented on farms, especially on underserved farms, and to market the resulting climate-smart commodities. In addition to free training and consulting, the producers are planned to receive a financial stimulus per acre of farmland used to implement climate-smart practices using biochar such as soil amendment, water infiltration and manure composting. Partner institutes and companies plan to contract with the landowners and producers to purchase some of the resulting commodities for research, product development, and food manufacturing purposes.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of California, Davis; Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability, Current foods, Florida Food Products, LLC., New North Florida Cooperative, California Almond Board, International Fresh Produce Association
Major Commodities: Legumes, leafy green vegetables, hemp, citrus
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,855,000A vibrant future: Pilot projects for climate-smart fruit and vegetable production, marketing, and valuation of ecosystem services --This project will incentivize growers of specialty crops to adopt climate-smart production in order to establish a consumer-driven, climate-smart market for fruits and vegetables grown using climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: International Fresh Produce Association.
Major Partners: International Fresh Produce Association, University of Florida, CropTrak, Frehner-Jens Consulting, Clark McDowall Brand Architecture Company, Alcorn State University, Measure to Improve, LLC, MS Small Farm and Agribusiness Center at Alcorn State, Alamo Farms, Bayer, Bland Farms, Bolthouse Farms, Calavo, Campbell Soup Company, Del-Monte, Driscoll's, Limoneira, Monterey Pacific, Noble Produce Holdings, Sun Pacific
Major Commodities: Berries, Grapes, Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large-scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and historically underserved producers. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in CropTrak®, which offers a proprietary cloud and mobile platform to help food and beverage companies increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of their supply chain. Once this data is entered, related greenhouse gas emissions and GHG emission reductions are planned to be calculated through third-party calculators integrated into the USDA COMET-Farm platform. Elevated plans to leverage its expertise in marketing and branding to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers, to broadly communicate the value of climate-smart fruits and vegetables with customers in multiple market sectors from farmers’ markets consumers to global retailers. Materials created through this effort are planned to include branded stickers for produce; branded produce bags and boxes; and the development of videos, social media promotions, and printed materials to share the value of climate-smart produce with consumers. The project plans to commit at least 25 percent of budgeted funds for producer incentives to support small and historically underserved fruit and vegetable producers.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods**
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture*, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag*, Soil Health Academy*, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak*, Decade Impact*, Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops*
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Industrial Hemp for Fiber and Grain
This project aims to expand climate-smart markets and remedy lack of available data on environmentally beneficial practices for hemp production by providing open-accessible data and training and enabling monetization of climate-smart practices through a pilot designation in a digital marketplace. Additionally, this project develops an inclusive workforce that specializes in implementation of climate-smart practices by engaging underserved producers and financially supporting them as they learn these practices. Project plans to provide participating underserved producers an incentive payment, technical assistance, marketing assistance, and the revenue from the climate-smart hemp produced. Planned practices include cover crops and nutrient management.
Lead Partner: Iconoclast Industries, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Cedar Meadow Farm LLC*, University of Florida*, Stockton University*, Florida Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, SB Friedman Development Advisors, M4MM*, Canndigenous, EntreVation LLC, Legacy Farms Group, Delta Agriculture*, Auredia*, Validere*, Bravo Logistics, Highway Vodka
Primary States Expected: CO, FL, NE, NY, OK, PA, TX, VA, WI
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- Georgia
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet GA (PDF, 304 KB)
BEACON Pilot: Farmers Guiding Farmers Towards Climate Smart Agriculture
This project plans to advance equity by minimizing transaction costs and addressing cultural dynamics for Black and indigenous producers by using a farmer-to-farmer collaborative training approach. Farmers would define culturally appropriate product labels, and partners would work to increase market access, specifically through marketing the value-add of using climate-smart practices like cover crops, no-till, tree planting and prescribed grazing.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, the Tallahassee Food Network, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Organic Farmers Association, Women Food and Agriculture Network, the Earth’s Garden Network
Major Commodities: Specialty and organic crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000
Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers
All pilot participants would be paid a stipend to cover time spent on climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design. Each farm would also have access to incentive payments, dependent on their emissions reductions and specific implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. A Greener World plans to provide customized marketing support to all project producers. Partners would ensure all outreach and technical assistance efforts are culturally-relevant and would assist producers in becoming Certified Regenerative which allows them to access new climate-smart markets and sell commodities for a higher premium.
Lead Partner: Greener World
Other Major Partners: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, Sub-contractor/Evaluation Partner, Soil Health Institute (SHI), National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), National Co-op Grocers (NCG)Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA)
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Beef, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,000,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
National Black Growers Council Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program
In this project, the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) plans to work with underserved farmers to test regenerative agricultural practices and determine which are best suited for various regions and farm types in the Southeast United States. Once complete, NBGC plans to scale up participation to include additional farmers , providing incentives to increase adoption of regenerative agricultural practices and leveraging market data to sell products to corporate partners who need to meet corporate sustainability goals.
Lead Partner: National Black Growers Council
Other Major Partners: Cargill, Bayer, Syngenta
Major Commodities: Cotton, corn, rice, soybeans, sugar cane, peanuts, canola, and grain sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,789,000
Production and Application of Biochar in Agricultural Practices at Small and Underserved Farms: Soil Enhancement, Carbon Sequestration, and promoting Climate-Smart Commodities
This project, led by minority serving university Florida A&M, plans to develop biochar-based climate-smart practices and technologies that may be implemented on farms, especially on underserved farms, and to market the resulting climate-smart commodities. In addition to free training and consulting, the producers are planned to receive a financial stimulus per acre of farmland used to implement climate-smart practices using biochar such as soil amendment, water infiltration and manure composting. Partner institutes and companies plan to contract with the landowners and producers to purchase some of the resulting commodities for research, product development, and food manufacturing purposes.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of California, Davis; Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability, Current foods, Florida Food Products, LLC., New North Florida Cooperative, California Almond Board, International Fresh Produce Association
Major Commodities: Legumes, leafy green vegetables, hemp, citrus
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,855,000
Creating Climate-Smart Commodities through Enhanced Rock Weathering in Agricultural Settings
Project participants would use basalt dust instead of agricultural lime to increase soil pH through a method known as Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), which speeds up a natural carbon sequestration process. Project funds would be used to cover all material, application, and monitoring costs for farmers as well as developing markets for the low-carbon carbon smart commodities grown by participating farmers. The project plans to determine the extent to which this process can increase crop yields, reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions (N2O), and decrease fertilizer and lime costs, much of which may benefit underserved agricultural producers at a time of record high input costs and increasing economic pressures.
Lead Partner: Yale University
Other Major Partners: Yale University, Georgia Inst. of Technology, Grodan, Agoro Carbon Alliance, Black Oaks Center, The Land Connection, Zumwalt Acres, Farm Foundation, Carolina Sunrock, Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC), American Peanut Council (APC)
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,898,700Reviving the Chestnut: The Climate-Smart Crop
Participants, including underserved and minority farmers, would be reimbursed for costs associated with establishing and initially maintaining carbon smart chestnut orchards. The project partners would promote the carbon reduction practices implemented through this project and market the specially-branded chestnuts produced by members as a premium “Climate-Smart” food that can reduce consumers’ impact on climate change.
Lead Partner: Georgia Alabama Land Trust
Other Major Partners: The University of Georgia Cooperative Agricultural Extension, Carbon Farmer LLC, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (HBCU), Pippin Farms, Ray Griffin, Willie Jones, Southern Farmers Collaborative Group
Major Commodities: Chestnuts
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,980,000
The Coalition for Food Security
The Coalition for Food Security (CFS) plans to implement climate-smart practices related to indoor hydroponic vertical farming and optimize environmental climate control management to create a voluntary climate-smart produce marketplace. This would incentivize greenhouse gas reduction practices along the vegetable supply chain through direct partnerships between underserved producers and corporate buyers, enabling small and underserved producers to sell their produce directly to corporations. The CFS plans to design and market a franchise program to incentivize minority landowners and underserved producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices demonstrated at the pilot farm. In addition, CFS would provide internships to HBCU students to participate in our project and other franchise programs for graduating students to start agricultural businesses.
Lead Partner: Ponix, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Ponix, FoodChain Technologies, GTC 360 LLC, Center for Global Health Innovation, Fort Valley State University, Buds of Little Rose, Ed Farm, Slater Infrastructure
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900A vibrant future: Pilot projects for climate-smart fruit and vegetable production, marketing, and valuation of ecosystem services --This project will incentivize growers of specialty crops to adopt climate-smart production in order to establish a consumer-driven, climate-smart market for fruits and vegetables grown using climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: International Fresh Produce Association.
Major Partners: International Fresh Produce Association, University of Florida, CropTrak, Frehner-Jens Consulting, Clark McDowall Brand Architecture Company, Alcorn State University, Measure to Improve, LLC, MS Small Farm and Agribusiness Center at Alcorn State, Alamo Farms, Bayer, Bland Farms, Bolthouse Farms, Calavo, Campbell Soup Company, Del-Monte, Driscoll's, Limoneira, Monterey Pacific, Noble Produce Holdings, Sun Pacific
Major Commodities: Berries, Grapes, Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Building Soil, Building Equity: Accelerating a Regenerative Farming Movement in Appalachia and the Southeast
This project seeks to build climate-smart markets and sequester carbon over thousands of acres of Appalachian and rural southeastern land through strategic recruitment from networks of producers. The project will use education, outreach, technical assistance, and incentivizing producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts.
Lead Partner: Accelerating Appalachia
Other Major Partners: National Center for Appropriate Technologies*, Kentucky State University*,**, Working Trees from Stanford University’s TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy*, Carbon Harvest*,GRC Advising*,**, Latin Talent Accelerator*
Primary States Expected: GA, KY, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Row Crops, Beef, Pork, Cotton, Wool & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Climate Beneficial Fiber: Building New, Accessible, and Equitable Market Opportunities for Climate-Smart Cotton and Wool
This project will expand the existing Climate Beneficial™ fiber program: a system for sequestering carbon, regenerating soil health and resilience, improving social equity, and bolstering America's ability to produce climate-smart fiber. A newly created, open-source, Carbon Farm Planning and Verification Platform will streamline climate-smart agriculture planning and verification for producers, verifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The project plans to have a trained Planner monitor implementation, ensuring that practices are implemented in accordance with practice standard criteria linked to the COMET tools. A Portal database architecture is planned to allow for anticipated and realized GHG benefits to be queried by project, region, commodity, or dollar expended, allowing these data to be aggregated and analyzed at various scales. Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation.
Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation. This project aims to meet the equity goals of the Justice40 Initiative, directing at least 40% of project benefits to small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource, and women farmers, as well as producers growing specialty crops.
Lead Partner: National Center for Appropriate Technology, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Carbon Cycle Institute*,**, Colorado State University Dept of Soil and Crop Sciences*, Fibershed*,**, Seed 2 Shirt*,**, New York Textile Lab*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, GA, IN, MT, NC, NY, SD, TN, WY
Major Commodities: Sheep, Wool, Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large-scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and historically underserved producers. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in CropTrak®, which offers a proprietary cloud and mobile platform to help food and beverage companies increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of their supply chain. Once this data is entered, related greenhouse gas emissions and GHG emission reductions are planned to be calculated through third-party calculators integrated into the USDA COMET-Farm platform. Elevated plans to leverage its expertise in marketing and branding to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers, to broadly communicate the value of climate-smart fruits and vegetables with customers in multiple market sectors from farmers’ markets consumers to global retailers. Materials created through this effort are planned to include branded stickers for produce; branded produce bags and boxes; and the development of videos, social media promotions, and printed materials to share the value of climate-smart produce with consumers. The project plans to commit at least 25 percent of budgeted funds for producer incentives to support small and historically underserved fruit and vegetable producers.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods**
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture*, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag*, Soil Health Academy*, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak*, Decade Impact*, Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops*
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Producer Led Collaborative Effort to Fundamentally Transition the U.S. Beef Supply Chain to Carbon Neutral--This eight-state project will amplify production of climate-smart beef by expanding market drivers, grassroots support networks, and early adopter mentors and providing technical assistance for the adoption of Climate-smart grazing practices to substantially reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. The project will also support farmers in protecting their land through permanent easements to help ensure that the soil health and climate benefits from those practices continue far into the future.
Lead Partner: American Farmland Trust
Major Partners: American Farmland Trust, The Integrity Beef Alliance, Indigo Ag, AgriWebb, Freedmen Heirs Foundation, Earth Optics, Regenified, OpenTEAM, U.S. Biochar Initiative, Virginia Forage and Grasslands Council, Maryland Grazers Network, Pennsylvania Grazing Lands Coalition, Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, Black Family Land Trust, Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont, and Farmer Veteran Coalition
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Quantifying the Potential to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increase Carbon Sequestration by Growing and Marketing Climate-Smart Commodities in the Southern Piedmont
Aimed at the southern piedmont vegetable farming community, this proposal will utilize an interdisciplinary system approach including farmer adoption, understanding economic/social barriers, market/consumer buy-in, utilizing technology, and easing the burden on farmers. The results of the project will build climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increases carbon sequestration, and increase farmer economic opportunities and adoption of climate-smart agriculture. The Project will use COMET-Planner for farmers to evaluate soil GHG emissions and C-sequestration potentials on their farms. The project will also cross-validate Farm2Facts with COMET-Planner to ensure farmers are obtaining the highest level of data. The project will use farmers markets throughout the Southern Piedmont as vehicles to market CS vegetables, increase consumer and farmer buy-in, track CS commodities from producer to consumer, and learn about ways to influence consumer
behavior toward purchasing more CS commodities. Estimating that each participating farmer will receive cash incentives to implement climate-smart practices across the five years mostly to underserved and disadvantaged Southern Piedmont farmers.Leading Partner: Rodale Institute
Other Major Partners: University of Georgia*, Virginia Association for Biological Farming*, Georgia Organics*,**, Emory University*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Tennessee*,**, Clemson University*, North Carolina State University*, University of Wisconsin - Madison*,**, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University*, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Connect Group, LLC*
Primary States Expected: GA, NC, PA, SC, VA
Major Commodities: Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet HI (PDF, 300 KB)
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute , Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Portfolio of Partnerships for Hawaii Climate-Smart Commodities --This project will help overcome climate-smart implementation barriers through investment and incentives, improve technical assistance capacity through community-based organization networks, build decision support tools for modeling/verification, and generate internal momentum for a market-based sustainable food system embedded within resilient and abundant landscapes across Hawaiʻi.
Lead Partner: Lynker Corporation
Major Partners: Hawai'i Producer Engagement Team, Hawai'i Cattlemen's Council, Oahu Resource Conservation and Development Council, Hawai'i Farmers Union United, Teh Kohala Centger, Pacific Gateway Center, Forest Solutions Incorporated, Hawai'i department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and wildlife, University of Hawai'i manoa, University of Florida, Colorado State University, NRDS, Lynker, Transforming Hawai'i's Food Systems together, Hawai'i Department of Agriculture, Aloha+ Challenge, Hawai'i Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Taskforce, FarmLink..
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Agroforestry, Breadfruit, Avocado, Beef, Sugarcane, Taro, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- Iowa
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet IA (PDF, 304 KB)
Building Profitability for Underserved Producers with a Pipeline of Land Access, Regenerative Agriculture, and Market Development
This project aims to provide resettled refugees access to low- or no-cost land and technical assistance to create scalable and profitable agricultural small businesses through the creation of demand for commodities produced using climate-smart practices. Project plans for farmers to use cover crops, buffer strips, improved wetlands, and other climate-smart practices. These producers would also receive technical assistance and engagement, translation assistance for non-English speakers, modeling of climate-smart practices, financial resources, and market access through partner organizations.
Lead Partner: Dalla Terra Ranch Foundation
Other Major Partners: In Harmony Farm, Lutheran Services of Iowa Global Greens, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Small Farm Land Access Program, Iowa State University Agronomy Department, Iowa International Center, CultivateAI, Fareway Food Stores, Food Bank of Iowa, and Des Moines Area Religious Council
Primary States Expected: IA
Major Commodities: fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $271,200Climate-Smart Chicken and Feed: Scaling Climate-Smart Grain and Poultry Commodity Production as a System-Level Climate Solution for the Midwest
This project would support poultry producers who follow diversified regenerative climate-smart grain production methods incorporating small grains, no-till, and cover crops, integrated agroforestry practices. Producers may receive payments to adopt a climate-smart grain rotation for at least three years and for Organic climate-smart chicken production. Producers would receive a premium price for chickens, paid by Tree-Range Farms. Multiple strategic partners including tribal nations, immigrant-serving organizations, and other community partners plan to promote the project with underserved producers
Lead Partner: Regeneration International/Regenerative Agriculture Alliance
Other Major Partners: Regenerative Agriculture Alliance (RAA); Freshwater Society; Minnesota State University Mankato; Carleton College; Tree-Range® Farms; Makoce Agriculture Development, Oatly, Regenerative Agriculture Solutions, General Mills, Latino Economic Development Center
Major Commodities: Poultry, small grain, oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.)
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000
Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities
This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000Innovative Cover-crop Opportunity, Verification and Economy stimulating technology for underserved farmers using Robotics (iCOVER)
The iCOVER project plans to scale up robotic cover crop planting and verification of soil carbon through innovative radiological robotic sensing technologies, creating markets for climate-smart products for minority underserved farmers growing specialty crops and animal products. The project plans to use standard and well-established soil sampling and remote sensing methods to measure and quantify the effect of cover crops on carbon sequestration, and then develop and scale up an innovative in-situ robotic system capable of soil carbon measurements at high-throughput using a contact-free radiological method for fast, accurate and automated soil organic carbon quantification. The project is planned to also focus on market building for underserved producers through an existing resource and partnerships with grocery chains and restaurants.Lead Partner: University of Illinois
Other Major Partners: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Tuskegee University; Earth-Sense, Inc., Corteva, Indigo Ag
Major Commodities: Corn, Vegetables and Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Iowa Tribe Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA) Innovation Pilot Program
The Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture Pilot Program plans to educate Native American participants on climate-smart practices, provide long lasting benefits to soil and water health through climate-smart practices, and expand markets for climate-smart commodities. The CERNA Project plans to provide each producer annual incentives and premium payments and a one-time financial assistance payment for the necessary education and training needed to implement climate-smart practices. Additionally, CERNA plans to directly support farmers by purchasing 100 percent of all eligible climate-smart commodities produced under this project, which would hold the “Regenified” label under premium contracts.Lead Partner: Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Other Major Partners: Terramera, Regenified, Understanding Ag, Soil Health Academy, John Deere Director of Emerging Technology, Taste Profit Marketing, Oatly, Cooks Ventures, Global Processing, Bratney, Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri, Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Grey Snow Management Solutions, The Akana Group, The Intertribal Ag Council
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,700
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute , Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate-Smart Specialty Grains and Oilseeds: Covering America from Coast to Coast
This project increases on-farm crop rotations via a holistic management soil health protocol that results in identity preserved specialty grains and oilseeds, as well as a new category of climate-smart cover crop seed. The climate-smart specialty grains and oilseeds project will encourage farmers in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest to raise climate-smart oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina and develop related climate-smart markets. Project plans to provide technical assistance and direct financial climate-smart practice incentive payments or producer premiums for CS commodities. Partners plan to provide each underserved or small-scale producer participant a whole farm analysis enrolling more of their acres in working land conservation programs. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to quantify GHG benefits from both the contract specialty grain and oilseed fields and the resulting cover crops planted from their production. This project plans to grow five specialty crops (oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina) in a comprehensive climate-smart manner. Millborn Seeds plans to connect cover crop seed users. A target of 25% of total acres each year are planned to be reserved for underserved or small producers, ensuring that at least 25% of the incentive payments for the per bushel premium will go to these two producer groups. Additionally, an underserved rate is planned to be used for cover crop or perennial forage planting adoption, and technical assistance is planned to be provided to all participants on an individual basis. Each underserved or small producer are planned to receive a whole farm analysis from AgSpire on how more of their acres could participate in additional working lands conservation programs, beyond the enrolled acres in this project.
Lead Partner: Millborn Seeds, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: AgSpire*, EarthOptics*, High Plains Biochar, Biochar Co-Op, Value Added Agriculture Development Center, Grain Millers Inc., Iowa Cover Crop
Primary States Expected: IA,MN,MT,NE,ND,SD,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Oats, Rye, Flax, Buckwheat, Camelina, Specialty Grain, Oilseed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000
Horizon II: A climate-smart future for corn, soybean, livestock, and renewable natural gas production--This project will enhance climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve carbon sequestration in the production of corn, soybean, pork, and beef commodities, while creating opportunities for small and historically underserved producers and benefitting soil health, clean water, flood control, and habitats for native wildlife.
Lead Partner: Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC
Major Partners: Biostar Renewables, Conservation Districts of Iowa, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa State University, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Sievers Family Farms, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, Smithfield Foods, The Nature Conservancy, University of Missouri, Verdesian, Veterans in Agriculture
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Pork, Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks. DeLong (& 3rd party auditor) plan to verify practice implementation using documentation and select field visits. COMET-Farm or Granular Insights system will be used to estimate GHG benefits. The project plans to create global awareness and consumer preference for CSCs through existing buyer relationships creating CSC labeling for use on consumer goods. Project partners plan to play an active role in education, outreach, and inclusion of small and underserved producers, who will also receive an additional incentive on top of the climate smart practice incentive.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy*,**, Western New York Energy, Ingredion*,**, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company)*,**, Agris (Greenstone)*, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council*,**, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative*, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute*, Practical Farmers of Iowa*,**
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000National Pork Board's Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value Proposal
The goal of this project is to increase the sustainability of U.S. pork products by advancing climate-smart agriculture practices within the feed supply, thereby maintaining market demand and price premiums in a rapidly evolving consumer world. The geography of focus – Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri – encapsulates a concentration of pork facilities supported by local grain production, representing a key region of the overall supply chain. Planned practices include cover crops, livestock integration in cover crops and manure management. The project plans to offer participants, including small-scale and underserved producers, free initial soil testing, technical assistance from partner agronomists, cost-share for practice adoption and tuition or scholarships for participating producers to attend advanced soil health training workshops through peer-to-peer networking.
The proposal plans to deploy an Sustainable Environmental Consultant's Ecosystem Practices software platform which uses the COMET-Farm GHG tool and Nutrient Tracking Tool for estimating Soil Organic Carbon stock changes, Nitrogen Oxide emissions, and nutrient and sediment losses, and use soil sampling to benchmark results. The project plans to utilize a number of processes to ensure adoption of practices, including precision farm data, work orders, seed purchase receipts, tagged images, remote sensed analytics, on-farm field inspection, and GHG results are planned to be aggregated from a field basis to the required spatial domain and will be delivered through dashboards and reports. Once published the quantified GHG benefits of U.S. pork and all the continuous sustainability improvement information derived through this project may be used by many entities, organizations and companies marketing pork globally. The project plans to support farmers to market their climate-smart commodities in a manner that best suits their production system and individual operation goals, empowering and incentivizing continuous improvement over the long-term (even after the grant is complete) including if they choose maturing environmental offset markets while also providing communications capacity to engage both producers (supply) and end-of-supply chain consumers (demand) in marketing resulting commodities and potential value-added. Priority ranking is planned for small and underserved producers. Technical and financial assistance, will include 1) Free initial soil test and baseline reporting 2) Free Technical Assistance (TA) from DU agronomy, SEC staff, and Millborn seed optimization specialist 3) Cost-share payments for CSA practice adoption 4) funded opportunities for participating producers to attend an advanced soil health training workshop (peer-peer networking).Lead Partner: National Pork Board**
Other Major Partners: Nestle, Sustainable Environmental Consultants, Ducks Unlimited*, Trust in Food (Farm Journal), Farm Credit Council**, Millborn Seed*, Nastrade**
Primary States Expected: IA, MN, MO
Major Commodities: Pork, Soybeans, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The GEVO Climate-Smart Farm-to-Flight Program--The project aims to create critical structural market incentives for low carbon-intensity (CI) corn as well as to accelerate the production of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce the sector’s dependency on fossil-based fuel. This project includes an immediate market opportunity to sell climate-smart, low-climate-impact corn.
Lead Partner: Gevo, Inc.
Major Partners: Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC, Google, Farmers Edge, EarthOptics, South Dakota State University, Regen Ag Labs, Yard Stick, Double H Ag Services, Farmers Edge, AgSpire, PrairieFood, Stine Seed Farm, Holganix, Trace Genomics, MidState Agronomy, Double H Ag Services, Colorado State University, Iowa State University, Standing Rock (SAGE) Renewable Energy Power Authority
Major Commodities: Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
- Idaho
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet ID (PDF, 303 KB)
Cover Crop Seed Production Grown with Climate-Smart Wheat
In partnership with Tribal leaders from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, this project would provide financial and technical support to Tribal farmers to grow cover crop seed into wheat fallow systems with adequate precipitation. GO Seed plans to purchase the climate-smart cover crop seed from participating farmers and sell it to distributors removing a financial barrier to producers that would otherwise reduce participation in growing cover crop seed. Markets would be cultivated and expanded through existing relationships with millers and exporters. All wheat marketed would have a “Climate-Smart Wheat” seal on the purchasing paperwork.Lead Partner: Grassland Oregon
Other Major Partners: Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR); Intertribal Agriculture Council; Northwest Grain Growers; Agoro Carbon Alliance; Ace Connect LLC; Soil Health Institute; Oregon Wheat Commission, OR Wheat Grower’s League; Oregon Climate and Agriculture Network; Shoshone-Bannock Agri-Business Corp
Major Commodities: Wheat; cover crop seed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,722,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-Smart Camelina --This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Major Commodities: Camelina
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Climate-Smart Commodities for Idaho: A Public-Private-Tribal Partnership
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 100 farms in Idaho through the provision of financial and technical assistance to producers, with a focus on barley, beef, chickpea, potatoes, sugar, wheat, and hops. Project plans to direct 75 percent of funds to participant incentives for implementing a variety of practices including cover crops, no-till, biochar, cover crops with livestock grazing, interseeding of legumes and precision fertilizer application. The measurement and monitoring system are planned to be based on field and laboratory measurements using a spatially nested design to facilitate scaling-up of project results. The Carbon Management Evaluation Tools (COMET-Farm) are planned to be utilized throughout the project to establish baselines; this project also plans to generate data from field measurements of GHG emissions that will be used to improve COMET and other models for use within the western U.S. This project plans to focus on seven key commodities in Idaho with national and international markets: barley, beef, chickpea, potatoes, sugar, wheat, hops and specialty crops. At least 30% of enrolled producers are planned to be from underserved communities, including mostly veterans, women, and small producers.
Lead Partner: Regents of the University of Idaho
Other Major Partners: Coeur d’Alene Tribe* Nez Perce Tribe* Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts*, The Nature Conservancy*, The Wave Foundation, Desert Mountain Grassfed Beef*, Salmon Safe/Kooskooskie Fish, LLC, University of Idaho*, SaulGill, LLC DBA Arrowleaf Consulting*
Primary States Expected: ID, Tribal
Major Commodities: Barley, Beef, Chickpea, Potatoes, Sugar Beets, Wheat, Hops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000Climate-Smart Potatoes from the Pacific Northwest: Managing Soil Health for Climate-Smart Outcomes
This project will build climate-smart markets and advance adoption of climate-smart management systems in the Pacific Northwest states of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon where more than 62% of U.S. potatoes are grown and 15% of the domestic supply of seed potatoes are produced. Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification are planned to be conducted at multiple scales to: (i) verify that conservation practices are implemented, (ii) establish Soil Health and C Targets, (iii) estimate GHG emission reductions at the county/Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) level, (iv) verify GHG emission reductions at the farm field level, (v) verify soil C-sequestration estimates, changes in soil C, and changes in soil health at the farm field level, and (vi) report on the practices and their impacts on GHG emissions, C-sequestration, and soil health over the five-year project period. As a part of developing pilot markets, the project identified two companies (Threemile Canyon and Mart Produce) that are interested in investigating development of pilot markets and promotions for Climate-Smart labelled potato products. Additionally, a pilot marketplace for buyers and sellers using chain-of-custody ownership tracking via the block chain through supply chains is planned to be investigated for the potential exchange of C-credits among project participants such as contracts between producers and processors/handlers, and between processors/handlers and product purchasers. The project plans to engage independent grower networks to reach small and underserved producers and plans to work through tribal liasons and partner networks to reach tribal producers. The three partnering tribes plan to enroll approximately 50,000 acres in the program. The project will continue engaging and enrolling additional tribes throughout the life of the project. The project will provide financial assistance as well as technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Oregon State University
Other Major Partners: Oregon State University, University of Idaho*, Washington State University, Soil Health Institute*, LoCo Plus, LLC*, Seven Generations LLC*, Industrial Hemp Association of Washington, Lamb Weston, Frito-Lay, Mart Produce, Simplot, Yakama Nation: Confederated Tribes and Bands, Nez Perce Tribe*, Confederated Tribes of the Colville
Primary States Expected: ID, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Potatoes
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West
This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to verify GHG benefits. In addition, Colorado State University will study impact and adoption of climate-smart soil health practices. The project plans to use a STAR Rating System to market & receive premium for climate-smart products. Branding opportunities for STAR related products will be used. The project plans to support multiple underserved producers with financial assistance. To ensure equitable administration that includes small / underserved producers, improved understanding and awareness of climate-smart commodities among small and underserved producers, expand their access to participation and reduce market entry risk, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) and others to help guide recruitment and peer to peer learning.
Lead Partner: Colorado Department of Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District*, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts & Conservation Districts in other states*,**, Colorado Open Lands*, Colorado State University*, National Center for Appropriate Technology*, Sangre de Cristo Association of Acequias, Univ. of Idaho, Montana State Univ., New Mexico State Univ., Utah State University, Univ. of Wyoming, Audubon Society, Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, Acres USA, Quivira Coalition, Yardstick, Zero Foodprint, Bob’s Red Mill, Quinn Snacks, Groundup Consulting*,
Primary States Expected: CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WA, WY
Major Commodities: Beef, Corn, Grains
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
- Illinois
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet IL (PDF, 304 KB)
Climate-Smart Chicken and Feed: Scaling Climate-Smart Grain and Poultry Commodity Production as a System-Level Climate Solution for the Midwest
This project would support poultry producers who follow diversified regenerative climate-smart grain production methods incorporating small grains, no-till, and cover crops, integrated agroforestry practices. Producers may receive payments to adopt a climate-smart grain rotation for at least three years and for Organic climate-smart chicken production. Producers would receive a premium price for chickens, paid by Tree-Range Farms. Multiple strategic partners including tribal nations, immigrant-serving organizations, and other community partners plan to promote the project with underserved producers
Lead Partner: Regeneration International/Regenerative Agriculture Alliance
Other Major Partners: Regenerative Agriculture Alliance (RAA); Freshwater Society; Minnesota State University Mankato; Carleton College; Tree-Range® Farms; Makoce Agriculture Development, Oatly, Regenerative Agriculture Solutions, General Mills, Latino Economic Development Center
Major Commodities: Poultry, small grain, oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900
Creating Climate-Smart Commodities through Enhanced Rock Weathering in Agricultural Settings
Project participants would use basalt dust instead of agricultural lime to increase soil pH through a method known as Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), which speeds up a natural carbon sequestration process. Project funds would be used to cover all material, application, and monitoring costs for farmers as well as developing markets for the low-carbon carbon smart commodities grown by participating farmers. The project plans to determine the extent to which this process can increase crop yields, reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions (N2O), and decrease fertilizer and lime costs, much of which may benefit underserved agricultural producers at a time of record high input costs and increasing economic pressures.
Lead Partner: Yale University
Other Major Partners: Yale University, Georgia Inst. of Technology, Grodan, Agoro Carbon Alliance, Black Oaks Center, The Land Connection, Zumwalt Acres, Farm Foundation, Carolina Sunrock, Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC), American Peanut Council (APC)
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,898,700
Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000Innovative Cover-crop Opportunity, Verification and Economy stimulating technology for underserved farmers using Robotics (iCOVER)
The iCOVER project plans to scale up robotic cover crop planting and verification of soil carbon through innovative radiological robotic sensing technologies, creating markets for climate-smart products for minority underserved farmers growing specialty crops and animal products. The project plans to use standard and well-established soil sampling and remote sensing methods to measure and quantify the effect of cover crops on carbon sequestration, and then develop and scale up an innovative in-situ robotic system capable of soil carbon measurements at high-throughput using a contact-free radiological method for fast, accurate and automated soil organic carbon quantification. The project is planned to also focus on market building for underserved producers through an existing resource and partnerships with grocery chains and restaurants.
Lead Partner: University of Illinois
Other Major Partners: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Tuskegee University; Earth-Sense, Inc., Corteva, Indigo Ag
Major Commodities: Corn, Vegetables and Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999
Iowa Tribe Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA) Innovation Pilot Program
The Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture Pilot Program plans to educate Native American participants on climate-smart practices, provide long lasting benefits to soil and water health through climate-smart practices, and expand markets for climate-smart commodities. The CERNA Project plans to provide each producer annual incentives and premium payments and a one-time financial assistance payment for the necessary education and training needed to implement climate-smart practices. Additionally, CERNA plans to directly support farmers by purchasing 100 percent of all eligible climate-smart commodities produced under this project, which would hold the “Regenified” label under premium contracts.
Lead Partner: Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Other Major Partners: Terramera, Regenified, Understanding Ag, Soil Health Academy, John Deere Director of Emerging Technology, Taste Profit Marketing, Oatly, Cooks Ventures, Global Processing, Bratney, Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri, Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Grey Snow Management Solutions, The Akana Group, The Intertribal Ag Council
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,700
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute , Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks. DeLong (& 3rd party auditor) plan to verify practice implementation using documentation and select field visits. COMET-Farm or Granular Insights system will be used to estimate GHG benefits. The project plans to create global awareness and consumer preference for CSCs through existing buyer relationships creating CSC labeling for use on consumer goods. Project partners plan to play an active role in education, outreach, and inclusion of small and underserved producers, who will also receive an additional incentive on top of the climate smart practice incentive.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy*,**, Western New York Energy, Ingredion*,**, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company)*,**, Agris (Greenstone)*, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council*,**, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative*, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute*, Practical Farmers of Iowa*,**
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet IN (PDF, 304 KB)
Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.)
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000Innovative Cover-crop Opportunity, Verification and Economy stimulating technology for underserved farmers using Robotics (iCOVER)
The iCOVER project plans to scale up robotic cover crop planting and verification of soil carbon through innovative radiological robotic sensing technologies, creating markets for climate-smart products for minority underserved farmers growing specialty crops and animal products. The project plans to use standard and well-established soil sampling and remote sensing methods to measure and quantify the effect of cover crops on carbon sequestration, and then develop and scale up an innovative in-situ robotic system capable of soil carbon measurements at high-throughput using a contact-free radiological method for fast, accurate and automated soil organic carbon quantification. The project is planned to also focus on market building for underserved producers through an existing resource and partnerships with grocery chains and restaurants.
Lead Partner: University of Illinois
Other Major Partners: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Tuskegee University; Earth-Sense, Inc., Corteva, Indigo Ag
Major Commodities: Corn, Vegetables and Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999
Iowa Tribe Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA) Innovation Pilot Program
The Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture Pilot Program plans to educate Native American participants on climate-smart practices, provide long lasting benefits to soil and water health through climate-smart practices, and expand markets for climate-smart commodities. The CERNA Project plans to provide each producer annual incentives and premium payments and a one-time financial assistance payment for the necessary education and training needed to implement climate-smart practices. Additionally, CERNA plans to directly support farmers by purchasing 100 percent of all eligible climate-smart commodities produced under this project, which would hold the “Regenified” label under premium contracts.
Lead Partner: Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Other Major Partners: Terramera, Regenified, Understanding Ag, Soil Health Academy, John Deere Director of Emerging Technology, Taste Profit Marketing, Oatly, Cooks Ventures, Global Processing, Bratney, Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri, Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Grey Snow Management Solutions, The Akana Group, The Intertribal Ag Council
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,700
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate Beneficial Fiber: Building New, Accessible, and Equitable Market Opportunities for Climate-Smart Cotton and Wool
This project will expand the existing Climate Beneficial™ fiber program: a system for sequestering carbon, regenerating soil health and resilience, improving social equity, and bolstering America's ability to produce climate-smart fiber. A newly created, open-source, Carbon Farm Planning and Verification Platform will streamline climate-smart agriculture planning and verification for producers, verifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The project plans to have a trained Planner monitor implementation, ensuring that practices are implemented in accordance with practice standard criteria linked to the COMET tools. A Portal database architecture is planned to allow for anticipated and realized GHG benefits to be queried by project, region, commodity, or dollar expended, allowing these data to be aggregated and analyzed at various scales. Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation.
Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation. This project aims to meet the equity goals of the Justice40 Initiative, directing at least 40% of project benefits to small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource, and women farmers, as well as producers growing specialty crops.
Lead Partner: National Center for Appropriate Technology, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Carbon Cycle Institute*,**, Colorado State University Dept of Soil and Crop Sciences*, Fibershed*,**, Seed 2 Shirt*,**, New York Textile Lab*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, GA, IN, MT, NC, NY, SD, TN, WY
Major Commodities: Sheep, Wool, Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-Smart Grasslands: The Root of Agricultural Carbon Markets --A diverse partnership of 28 entities will develop climate-smart grasslands agriculture for the eastern US through a large-scale pilot project. The project collaborates with 245 working farms to install innovative, scientifically sound practices that improve soil carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain operational profitability and resiliency.
Lead Partner: The University of Tennessee
Major Partners: Univ. of AR, KY, MO AL Cooperative Extension, Clemson Univ., NC State University, Purdue Univ., TN State Univ., Univ. of TN, VA State University, and VA Tech, Tyson Foods Inc., JBS, Corteva, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Ecosystem Services Marketing Consortium, American Forage & Grassland Council, National Grazing Lands Coalition, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, multiple state cattle associations, American and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federations, The Nature Conservancy, American Bird Conservancy, Monarch Joint Venture, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, TN Department of Agriculture, MO Department of Conservation, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Major Commodities: Beef, Small Ruminants, Dairy, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000
Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Fischer Farms Ultimate Beef Strategy
This project aims to generate knowledge of carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions for the Fischer Farms beef production system, to inform future business decisions, and to generate science- based marketing tools that will enable buyers to actively participate in climate-positive purchasing and eating decisions. The project will include livestock producers, and it will support Fischer Farms’ market expansion into other areas. The project will utlilize Dual Comb Laser Technology for measuring all greenhouse gas benefits. Rigorous sampling, first-of-a-kind monitoring, and innovative analysis will lead to a new science-based understanding of the potential to deliver beef to the market that is truly a climate-smart commodity. This novel laser technology is planned to measure methane and other greenhouse gases at both the barn lots and pasture settings at Fischer Farms network farms. This approach will provide detailed measurements of beef cattle GHG emissions on pasture and allow for the quantification of the impacts of algae feed supplement on reducing methane emissions with the Ultimate Beef production system. The research plan entails 1) relevant data collection and analysis of the Ultimate Beef system, 2) implementation of USDA’s COMET-Farm and IFSM modeling tools, and 3) development of an ISO-compliant Life Cycle Assessment to calculate the GWP benefits of Ultimate Beef relative to the conventional US system. A marketing manager and sales team will develop and execute the Climate-Smart marketing campaign with a goal of educating consumers on the impact of climate-smart meet and their purchasing decisions. They will leverage on-line platforms, and print advertising as well as partner with whole-sale buyers. Project activities will involve expansion of marketing in Indiana, Cincinnati, OH, and Louisville, KY. With an existing network of more than 100 diversified, small, veteran, beginning, BIPOC and other underserved producers committed to the brand, Fischer Farms Ultimate Beef ensures fair pay and equitable representation for farmers and workers in the value chain. Additionally, the project will provide a critical opportunity for market access to a network of small and underserved farmers who would otherwise be challenged to verify and enter climate-smart market channels. Special emphasis will be placed on expanding the network of farmers in underserved areas.
Lead Partner: Fischer Farms Natural Foods, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Indiana University*, Carbon Solutions*
Primary States Expected: IN, KY
Major Commodities: Beef, Pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks. DeLong (& 3rd party auditor) plan to verify practice implementation using documentation and select field visits. COMET-Farm or Granular Insights system will be used to estimate GHG benefits. The project plans to create global awareness and consumer preference for CSCs through existing buyer relationships creating CSC labeling for use on consumer goods. Project partners plan to play an active role in education, outreach, and inclusion of small and underserved producers, who will also receive an additional incentive on top of the climate smart practice incentive.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy*,**, Western New York Energy, Ingredion*,**, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company)*,**, Agris (Greenstone)*, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council*,**, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative*, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute*, Practical Farmers of Iowa*,**
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
- Kansas
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet KS (PDF, 303 KB)
Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.)
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.
Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-Smart Camelina --This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Major Commodities: Camelina
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks. DeLong (& 3rd party auditor) plan to verify practice implementation using documentation and select field visits. COMET-Farm or Granular Insights system will be used to estimate GHG benefits. The project plans to create global awareness and consumer preference for CSCs through existing buyer relationships creating CSC labeling for use on consumer goods. Project partners plan to play an active role in education, outreach, and inclusion of small and underserved producers, who will also receive an additional incentive on top of the climate smart practice incentive.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy*,**, Western New York Energy, Ingredion*,**, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company)*,**, Agris (Greenstone)*, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council*,**, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative*, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute*, Practical Farmers of Iowa*,**
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000National Sorghum Producers Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will implement climate-smart production practices across hundreds of thousands of acres of sorghum working lands, with the goal of reducing hundreds of millions of pounds of carbon emissions and developing markets for sorghum as a climate-smart commodity. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in an established and proprietary EcoPractices platform, a platform currently used by Nestlé and Danone to track and monitor climate-smart practices implemented by other commodity farmers in select and limited areas of their supply chains. Furthermore, GHG benefits beyond the farmgate plan to be quantified using the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) model. In addition to farm-level monitoring of practices using the EcoPractices platform, the project plans to engage Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU; Texas Tech University, an HSI; Texas A&M University, an HSI; and Kansas State University to execute a technical program aimed at quantifying the value of emissions reductions associated with irrigation water use reduction and nitrate leaching, volatilization and runoff mitigation techniques. The project plans to collaborate with sorghum producers to take advantage of added value, primarily in the California fuel market with climate-smart sorghum being sold to ethanol companies for use in ethanol production, resulting in low carbon fuel credits for fuel purchasers and an incremental market premium for sorghum producers. The project plans for a minimum percentage of this project’s budgeted funds and technical assistance for small and historically underserved sorghum producers/landowners. Partners will conduct outreach to Black, woman, and Native farmers specifically.
Lead Partner: National Sorghum Producers Association**
Other Major Partners: KS Black Farmers Assoc.; Peoria Tribe of Indians of OK; KS AgriWomen; Women Managing the Farm; CO, KS, NM, OK & TX Sorghum Assocs; United Sorghum Checkoff, Prairie View A&M*, CO State, TX Tech*, TX A&M*, KS State* and OK State Univ.; NM & KS Depts of Agriculture; Field to Market; RIPE; Trust in Food™; Natl. Cotton Council; Amer. Coalit. for Ethanol; KS Water, Pheasants/Quail Forever*; Salk Institute; Danforth Center*; Galvanize Clim. Solut.; Arable*; Argonne Natl Lab; Sust Envir Consult*; ServiTech*,**; Danone; Kashi; Bayer Crop Sci; ADM; Conestoga Energy; KS Ethanol; Pratt, West Plains & Energy; Nu Life Market; CoBank; & High Plains Farm Credit; Northrup.ag*,**, Pinion*, White Energy, Carbon A List*, Sero Ag. Strategies*
Primary States Expected: CO, KS, NM, OK, TX, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $65,000,000Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- Kentucky
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet KY (PDF, 304 KB)
Building Whole-Farm Designs and Market Infrastructure to Provide Premiums for Climate-Smart Farming among Mid-Sized Agricultural Enterprises in the Ohio River Valley
This project plans to model and develop whole-farm carbon sequestration systems geared towards mid-sized polyculture farms that produce crops and beef. Farmers would receive a sign-up incentive, free technical assistance, and cost-share to implement climate-smart practices. Partners would include African-American food system organizers who would ensure engagement with minority, unrepresented, and socially disadvantaged growers. Partners would offer a Climate-Smart Beef product line to current retail and wholesale customers and provide avenues for grain producers to market and sell their products.
Lead Partner: Mt. Folly Enterprises Inc
Other Major Partners: Mt. Folly Farm, flagship farm, Eastern Kentucky University, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Rich Earth Grains LLC, Riverside Meats, Scott Shouse, Sourwood Forestry Consulting, Ale-8-1 Bottling Company, Skip Johnson, Doug Gurian-Sherman
Major Commodities: beef, corn, soy, wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000
Climate-Smart Organic Egg Project
This project would work with underserved, Amish and Mennonite producers to expand organic pasture-raised egg farming, inspire and educate consumers, and grow the demand for and expand the market for climate-smart egg products. Regenerative practices include manure and nutrient management, pasture enhancements, tree and shrub establishment and cover crops. Handsome Brook Farms plans to work with partners and retailers to develop labeling and sales opportunities to promote climate-smart organic pasture-raised eggs, a new climate-smart U.S. niche market.
Lead Partner: Handsome Brook Farms, LLC
Other Major Partners: Handsome Brook Farms, Costco Inc, Organic Voices, Grow Well Consulting, Curva and Associates LLC, University of Kentucky, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, NY Stern Center for sustainable business, Robinia Institute, Love Just Works LLC
Major Commodities: Poultry (Eggs)
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,600,000
Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.)"
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000
Increasing Farm Resource Efficiency by Utilizing On-Site Post-Production Food Byproducts into Innovative Fertilizers and Climate-Smart Commodities
Project participants would use innovative technology to convert crop residue into two high-value fertilizers for soil, foliar, or hydroponic use, and market resulting climate-smart commodities. Grower economic benefits include: premium pricing for carbon-smart commodities, reduced fertilizer costs, reduced water consumption and related costs, potential reduction in environmental regulatory compliance/fees (where applicable) and expanded marketing opportunities to Re-Nuble or local markets.
Lead Partner: Re-Nuble, Inc
Other Major Partners: Helianth Partners, IPM Institute, Purple Thumb Farm, Kreher Family Farms, Blake Farms, Uncle Jerry’s Farm
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,697,000Greenhouse Gas Reduction Incentive Program
Using incentives and technical assistance, this project would help farmers adopt climate-smart practices to improve soil health and water quality, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and promote wildlife habitat, connecting climate-smart commodity production with climate adaptation and GHG benefits. The farmers enrolled every year in the project are eligible to receive sufficient and compelling incentive payments for their participation and for verified climate-smart practice implementation. The project plans to draw on Organic Association of Kentucky, Inc. (OAK) and partner networks to engage small farms and underserved farmers. OAK anticipates half of the farms enrolled annually would be underserved farmers, including limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers, and many more would be small farms, operations with gross annual farm income under $250,000.
Lead Partner: Organic Association of Kentucky Inc
Other Major Partners: Aramark, Four Hills Farm, Kentucky Organic Farm and Feed Inc., Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Marksbury Farm Market, The Berry Center, Victory Hemp Foods, Organic Trade Association, The Food Connection at University of Kentucky, Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Kentucky State University, University of Kentucky, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Sustainable Food Alliance, Bullhorn Creative, Station Built
Major Commodities: Grass fed lamb; grass fed beef; corn, soybeans and small grains; produce; dairy; agroforestry; hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,407,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Building Soil, Building Equity: Accelerating a Regenerative Farming Movement in Appalachia and the Southeast
This project seeks to build climate-smart markets and sequester carbon over thousands of acres of Appalachian and rural southeastern land through strategic recruitment from networks of producers. The project will use education, outreach, technical assistance, and incentivizing producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts.
Lead Partner: Accelerating Appalachia
Other Major Partners: National Center for Appropriate Technologies*, Kentucky State University*,**, Working Trees from Stanford University’s TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy*, Carbon Harvest*,GRC Advising*,**, Latin Talent Accelerator*
Primary States Expected: GA, KY, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Row Crops, Beef, Pork, Cotton, Wool & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-Smart Grasslands: The Root of Agricultural Carbon Markets --A diverse partnership of 28 entities will develop climate-smart grasslands agriculture for the eastern US through a large-scale pilot project. The project collaborates with 245 working farms to install innovative, scientifically sound practices that improve soil carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain operational profitability and resiliency.
Lead Partner: The University of Tennessee
Major Partners: Univ. of AR, KY, MO AL Cooperative Extension, Clemson Univ., NC State University, Purdue Univ., TN State Univ., Univ. of TN, VA State University, and VA Tech, Tyson Foods Inc., JBS, Corteva, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Ecosystem Services Marketing Consortium, American Forage & Grassland Council, National Grazing Lands Coalition, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, multiple state cattle associations, American and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federations, The Nature Conservancy, American Bird Conservancy, Monarch Joint Venture, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, TN Department of Agriculture, MO Department of Conservation, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Major Commodities: Beef, Small Ruminants, Dairy, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large-scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and historically underserved producers. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in CropTrak®, which offers a proprietary cloud and mobile platform to help food and beverage companies increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of their supply chain. Once this data is entered, related greenhouse gas emissions and GHG emission reductions are planned to be calculated through third-party calculators integrated into the USDA COMET-Farm platform. Elevated plans to leverage its expertise in marketing and branding to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers, to broadly communicate the value of climate-smart fruits and vegetables with customers in multiple market sectors from farmers’ markets consumers to global retailers. Materials created through this effort are planned to include branded stickers for produce; branded produce bags and boxes; and the development of videos, social media promotions, and printed materials to share the value of climate-smart produce with consumers. The project plans to commit at least 25 percent of budgeted funds for producer incentives to support small and historically underserved fruit and vegetable producers.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods**
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture*, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag*, Soil Health Academy*, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak*, Decade Impact*, Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops*
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Fischer Farms Ultimate Beef Strategy
This project aims to generate knowledge of carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions for the Fischer Farms beef production system, to inform future business decisions, and to generate science- based marketing tools that will enable buyers to actively participate in climate-positive purchasing and eating decisions. The project will include livestock producers, and it will support Fischer Farms’ market expansion into other areas. The project will utlilize Dual Comb Laser Technology for measuring all greenhouse gas benefits. Rigorous sampling, first-of-a-kind monitoring, and innovative analysis will lead to a new science-based understanding of the potential to deliver beef to the market that is truly a climate-smart commodity. This novel laser technology is planned to measure methane and other greenhouse gases at both the barn lots and pasture settings at Fischer Farms network farms. This approach will provide detailed measurements of beef cattle GHG emissions on pasture and allow for the quantification of the impacts of algae feed supplement on reducing methane emissions with the Ultimate Beef production system. The research plan entails 1) relevant data collection and analysis of the Ultimate Beef system, 2) implementation of USDA’s COMET-Farm and IFSM modeling tools, and 3) development of an ISO-compliant Life Cycle Assessment to calculate the GWP benefits of Ultimate Beef relative to the conventional US system. A marketing manager and sales team will develop and execute the Climate-Smart marketing campaign with a goal of educating consumers on the impact of climate-smart meet and their purchasing decisions. They will leverage on-line platforms, and print advertising as well as partner with whole-sale buyers. Project activities will involve expansion of marketing in Indiana, Cincinnati, OH, and Louisville, KY. With an existing network of more than 100 diversified, small, veteran, beginning, BIPOC and other underserved producers committed to the brand, Fischer Farms Ultimate Beef ensures fair pay and equitable representation for farmers and workers in the value chain. Additionally, the project will provide a critical opportunity for market access to a network of small and underserved farmers who would otherwise be challenged to verify and enter climate-smart market channels. Special emphasis will be placed on expanding the network of farmers in underserved areas.
Lead Partner: Fischer Farms Natural Foods, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Indiana University*, Carbon Solutions*
Primary States Expected: IN, KY
Major Commodities: Beef, Pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
- Louisiana
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet LA (PDF, 302 KB)
A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Impact of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa) and Soil Microalgae Consortium (Chlorella spp and Scenedesmus spp) as High-Efficiency Carbon Sequestration Model Plants: Implications for Climate Change and Soil Improvement
Industrial hemp for fiber would be cultivated and marketed in the southeastern United States as a high efficiency carbon sequestration and a climate-smart commodity crop. The project plans to provide financial assistance to small and/or underserved farmers to implement Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. The National Hemp Growers Cooperative, LLC (NHGC) would engage industry partners to create markets for processing industrial hemp into several climate-smart commodities. While developing markets for farmers, the NHGC plan to buy all industrial hemp from all farmers during the duration the grant.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Alabama A&M University, Southern University, University of Florida (UF-IFAS)
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,990,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
National Black Growers Council Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program
In this project, the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) plans to work with historically underserved farmers to test regenerative agricultural practices and determine which are best suited for various regions and farm types in the Southeast United States. Once complete, NBGC plans to scale up participation to include additional farmers, providing incentives to increase adoption of regenerative agricultural practices and leveraging market data to sell products to corporate partners who need to meet corporate sustainability goals.
Lead Partner: National Black Growers Council
Other Major Partners: Cargill, Bayer, Syngenta
Major Commodities: Cotton, corn, rice, soybeans, sugar cane, peanuts, canola, and grain sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,789,000
Urban Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Farm Initiative
The Urban Ag Climate Smart Commodities Farm Initiative intends to reach underserved, socially disadvantaged, primarily African American producers and provide financial incentives to Urban Ag Groups and Farmers to encourage participation in the program. This five-state pilot program would work with small and/or underserved producers to increase the supply and demand for Climate-Smart Commodities in rural and urban markets. The project would assist with purchasing items producers may need to set up climate-smart retail operations. Participants would also receive an UrbanAg Climate-Smart Commodities Marketing Toolkit and access to marketing bootcamps teaching farmers and partnering Urban Ag groups how to market climate-smart commodities to potential consumers. Participants would complete a survey at the beginning of the program to access their awareness and/or knowledge of Climate-Smart Agriculture, their willingness to adopt the practices and to determine what they might need to be successful.
Lead Partner: MCL JASCO, INC
Other Major Partners: Alabama A&M University, Alcorn University, Auburn University, Fort Valley State University, Jackson State University, Michigan State University, National Association of Women in Agriculture, Tuskegee University, University of Georgia, Washtenaw County Community College, Wayne County Community College
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,600A vibrant future: Pilot projects for climate-smart fruit and vegetable production, marketing, and valuation of ecosystem services --This project will incentivize growers of specialty crops to adopt climate-smart production in order to establish a consumer-driven, climate-smart market for fruits and vegetables grown using climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: International Fresh Produce Association.
Major Partners: International Fresh Produce Association, University of Florida, CropTrak, Frehner-Jens Consulting, Clark McDowall Brand Architecture Company, Alcorn State University, Measure to Improve, LLC, MS Small Farm and Agribusiness Center at Alcorn State, Alamo Farms, Bayer, Bland Farms, Bolthouse Farms, Calavo, Campbell Soup Company, Del-Monte, Driscoll's, Limoneira, Monterey Pacific, Noble Produce Holdings, Sun Pacific
Major Commodities: Berries, Grapes, Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000AGriCapture Climate-Friendly Rice
This project will benefit climate-smart farmers in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, and California while expanding climate-smart rice markets and guaranteeing a supply of climate-smart rice to customers. All farms will be certified under the ACFRS. This project plans direct incentive payment to producers for climate-smart practice implementation and identity preserved storage and potential crop premiums for producers who develop their own processing capabilities and markets. Planned practices include: alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigated rice, reduced burning of rice stubble, early incorporation of rice stubble into the soil, and various techniques for improving nitrogen fertilizer efficiency. The project plans to follow AgriCapture's Climate-Friendly ™ Rice Standard, which uses IPCC equations and DNDC modeling for GHG benefits; representative soil sampling; in-field data collection activities including drone footage, ground level photos and videos, etc.; and use of remote sensing technologies to monitor changes in practices. The project plans to leverage existing marketing and sales employees to develop the buyer market for climate smart rice. The project plans to assist 30 percent underserved or small producers.
Lead Partner: AgriCapture, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Univ. of MO*, Cedar Woods Consulting*, Dainty Foods, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Blue Apron, McKaskle Family Farm, Arkansas River Rice Mill, Anheuser-Busch
Primary States Expected: AR, CA, LA, MS, MO, TX
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,500,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Developing Climate-Smart Grain Markets in the Mid-South through Diverse Partnerships and a Farming-Systems Approach to Practice Integration to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
This project seeks to demonstrate the viability of growing climate-smart (CS) grains that are sold to poultry feed operations. This project will develop a pilot program for grain producers to utilize multiple climate-smart practices to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. The pilot program includes a monitoring /verification system, local climate-smart market opportunity for direct sale, and tracking CS grain to broiler operations. Soil sampling and GHG emissions monitoring is planned to be conducted on a subset of the incentivized acres and the data will be utilized to refine a generalized regional scale model of estimated suitability for climate smart systems and prediction of benefits. Verified GHG emissions reports and ownership of verified emission reductions is planned to be directly provided to producers as the owners. The project plans to establish a direct market for sale of climate-smart grains through partnerships with local poultry industries who source grain as a key feed ingredient. Historically underserved producers are planned to receive a 15% higher payment to incentivize climate smart practice implementation. The project plans for 50% of annual producer enrollment and incentive payments to be directed to minority or underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Mississippi State University**
Other Major Partners: Southern Ag Services, Inc.*, University of Arkansas*.**, Conservation Solutions LLC*, Alcorn State University*,**
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, LA, MS
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Poultry
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Rice Stewardship Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities--This project will build climate-smart rice markets and work to reduce methane emissions in rice production through the adoption of alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigation, and other climate-smart practices and support historically underserved producers by improving critical infrastructure necessary to implement climate-smart practices in the future.
Lead Partner: USA Rice Federation, Inc
Major Partners: National Black Growers Council; Warehouses4Good; Entergy Corporation; Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; USA Rice; California Rice Commission; Delta F.A.R.M.; Walmart Corporation; Walmart Foundation; Nestle’ Purina PetCare Company; The Mosaic Company; RiceTec, Inc.; Anheuser-Busch; Riceland Foods; Delta Plastics; Corteva Agriscience; Field to Market; Arva Intelligence; Regrow; University of Arkansas; Mars; Kellogg’s.
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Supreme Rice, LLC's Climate-Smart Initiative to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Water Use Through the Adoption of Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation Practices in Rice Production
This project will expand climate-smart markets and provide financial incentives for underserved and small-scale rice producers to reduce methane emissions through alternate wetting and drying irrigation and adopt other sustainable growing practices to reduce emissions and water consumption. Project plans to offer financial incentives for changing management practices and reducing perceived risk barriers. A multi-faceted campaign is planned to educate consumers and recognized participating producers. Pre-established baselines are planned to be used to quantify methane emissions in rice by peer-reviewed research. Automated water level measuring devices, Crop Links, are planned to be deployed at a rate of 1 per every 100 acres.The project plans to design a campaign to educate consumers and bring recognition to the farmers and climate-smart commodities in the project. This campaign would be multi-faceted in nature, through the use of focused storytelling, TV Ads, Radio, YouTube Videos, Facebook Ads, Cooking shows, and Billboard Ads. Supreme plans to ensure that growers who fit the “underserved and small grower” category are informed and have every opportunity to participate in the program. The project expects to enroll 769 growers and 166,415 program acres attributed to underserved rice growers.
Lead Partner: Supreme Rice, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Southern University and A&M College*, Louisiana State University*,**, Louisiana Rice Growers, Arkansas Rice Growers
Primary States Expected: AR, LA
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- Massachusetts
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet MA (PDF, 303 KB)
Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding the Participation of Marginal Producers and Landowners to Promote Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Practices: Continuous Efforts of 1890 Agroforestry Consortium
The project plans to support small-scale and other underserved producers in three states with financial and technical assistance to transform their traditional production into a multi-pronged agroforestry-based climate-smart, sustainable production system. All producers and landowners are planned to receive financial incentives to cover costs of inputs and services. Partners plan to form a marketing network for labelling, packaging, and branding climate-smart commodities.
Lead Partner: Tuskegee University
Other Major Partners: Alabama A&M University, Virginia State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Major Commodities: nuts, specialty vegetables, fruits (apples, persimmon, berries), medicinal herbs, and meat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Improving Forest Carbon Sequestration and Storage by Establishing Supply Chains for Low-Quality Wood Material and Incentivizing Sustainable Forestry Practices
This project pilots an incentives program to advance sustainable climate-smart forest management and create additional low-quality climate-smart wood market supply chains. Nearly every participant would be small scale or underserved, who would receive direct payments for retaining larger and higher quality trees. The project's partners would market the resulting climate-smart commodities, leveraging their well-established working relationships with buyers who require the low-quality wood material.
Lead Partner: AMRO United Corporation
Other Major Partners: LBS Ecological, Green Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services, Future Forest Management, Craver Logging, Welch Logging, Sawtooth Forestry
Major Commodities: Wood products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,800,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Production and Application of Biochar in Agricultural Practices at Small and Underserved Farms: Soil Enhancement, Carbon Sequestration, and promoting Climate-Smart Commodities
This project, led by minority serving university Florida A&M, plans to develop biochar-based climate-smart practices and technologies that may be implemented on farms, especially on underserved farms, and to market the resulting climate-smart commodities. In addition to free training and consulting, the producers are planned to receive a financial stimulus per acre of farmland used to implement climate-smart practices using biochar such as soil amendment, water infiltration and manure composting. Partner institutes and companies plan to contract with the landowners and producers to purchase some of the resulting commodities for research, product development, and food manufacturing purposes.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of California, Davis; Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability, Current foods, Florida Food Products, LLC., New North Florida Cooperative, California Almond Board, International Fresh Produce Association
Major Commodities: Legumes, leafy green vegetables, hemp, citrus
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,855,000
Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.
Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000New England Climate-Smart Forest Partnership Project
This project will implement forest management practices with large commercial producers and smaller woodlot and Tribal owners to store more carbon in the forest, quantify the resulting carbon gains, and build markets for climate-smart forest products to store carbon in wood products and substitute wood products for fossil fuel-based materials. The project aims to include Climate-smart forestry practices like reduced impact logging, timber stand improvement thinning, maintaining legacy trees and brown ash as a component of New England’s forest, as well as maintain cultural integrity and economy of First Nations. This project plans to utilize the monitoring and verification program created by AFF and TNC for the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) that provides a sophisticated methodology for determining carbon stocking and can differentiate between areas treated with practices and the surrounding landscape. The program plans to advance markets for climate-smart forest products with a focus on high-value wood in the mass timber sector. The project plans to engage affordable housing agencies across the region in utilizing mass timber construction. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production.
Lead Partner: New England Forestry Foundation**
Other Major Partners: Seven Islands, Weyerhauser, Wagner Woodlands, Baskahegan, Robbins Lumber, Pasamoquoddy Forestry Dept, UMaine*,**, Nature Conservancy, Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership, Mass Tree Farm Program, Hull Forestlands, Heyes Family Forests, Trust to Conserve Northeast forestlands*,**, American Forest Foundation*,**, Spatial informatic group*, Innov. Natural Res. Solutions*, Spritios Properties, LLC*,**, Leers Weinzapfel Assoc*,**, Quantified Ventures*,**, Woodworks*, Forest Stewards Guild, Mas Audobon, Our climate common, Highstead Foundation, Mass Forest Alliance, CT Forest & Park Assoc, Appalach. Mtn Club. Mass Woodlands Institute,Tom Walker*, John Hagen*, Daigneault Consulting*
Primary States Expected: ME, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
- Maryland
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet MD (PDF, 304 KB)
Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Cover Crop Utilization to Boost Anaerobic Digestion, Transform Chicken Litter, Enhance Soil Health, and Create Climate-Smart Commodity Pathways for Small Farms on the Delmarva Peninsula
The project would directly address underserved producers on the Delmarva Peninsula by promoting climate-smart cover crops as a feedstock for digestor facilities. Project partners anticipate these facilities plan to provide a per acre incentive for harvested climate-smart cover crop biomass making them more economically sustainable and allowing for several project partners to promote and distribute the climate-smart products. This project plans to focus on environmental justice especially in communities impacted by environmental hazards, social-economic stress and poor infrastructure.
Lead Partner: University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Other Major Partners: Delmarva Land and Litter Collaborative, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, 2020 Farmers Cooperative, Millennium Farms
Major Commodities: Poultry; Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities
This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Prince George’s County Climate-Smart Local Producers Pilot Program
This project plans to pilot, evaluate, and build a Climate-Smart Local Producers Program to address marketing products grown using a variety of climate-smart practices. The project would focus on reducing barriers to practice implementation on existing and new farms. A planned marketing strategy that resonates with County residents, would combine the values of eating local, utilization of on -farm climate smart practices and woman and minority owned farms. The County plans to work with Bowie State University (a Historically Black College and University) to develop monitoring methodology and perform the analysis of greenhouse gas reductions and leverage the measurement and monitoring methodologies developed by the state of Maryland for several sequestration practices and supply chain impacts.
Lead Partner: Prince Georges, County Government
Other Major Partners: Prince George’s County Government Agencies and Entities, including Department of the Environment (DoE), Prince George's Soil Conservation District (PGSCD), Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Prince George’s County Food Equity Council (FEC), Low Impact Development Center, Inc. (LIDC), Bowie State University, University of Maryland Extension
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables, Specialty Crops and a Variety of other Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,250,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Producer Led Collaborative Effort to Fundamentally Transition the U.S. Beef Supply Chain to Carbon Neutral--This eight-state project will amplify production of climate-smart beef by expanding market drivers, grassroots support networks, and early adopter mentors and providing technical assistance for the adoption of Climate-smart grazing practices to substantially reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. The project will also support farmers in protecting their land through permanent easements to help ensure that the soil health and climate benefits from those practices continue far into the future.
Lead Partner: American Farmland Trust
Major Partners: American Farmland Trust, The Integrity Beef Alliance, Indigo Ag, AgriWebb, Freedmen Heirs Foundation, Earth Optics, Regenified, OpenTEAM, U.S. Biochar Initiative, Virginia Forage and Grasslands Council, Maryland Grazers Network, Pennsylvania Grazing Lands Coalition, Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, Black Family Land Trust, Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont, and Farmer Veteran Coalition
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
The Mid-Atlantic Conservation Innovation Fund Climate-Smart Commodities project--This project will help expand climate-smart markets and address climate-smart plans and practices for hundreds of dairy producers and will provide an on-ramp and serve as a catalyst for additional state and private capital to bolster the implementation of whole farm plans.
Lead Partner: The Conservation Innovation Fund
Major Partners: Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, South Mountain Creamery, Stroud Water Research Center, Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, TeamAg, RedBarn Consulting, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Major Commodities: Dairy, Beef, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
- Maine
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet ME (PDF, 303 KB)
Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities
This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000New England Climate-Smart Forest Partnership Project
This project will implement forest management practices with large commercial producers and smaller woodlot and Tribal owners to store more carbon in the forest, quantify the resulting carbon gains, and build markets for climate-smart forest products to store carbon in wood products and substitute wood products for fossil fuel-based materials. The project aims to include Climate-smart forestry practices like reduced impact logging, timber stand improvement thinning, maintaining legacy trees and brown ash as a component of New England’s forest, as well as maintain cultural integrity and economy of First Nations. This project plans to utilize the monitoring and verification program created by AFF and TNC for the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) that provides a sophisticated methodology for determining carbon stocking and can differentiate between areas treated with practices and the surrounding landscape. The program plans to advance markets for climate-smart forest products with a focus on high-value wood in the mass timber sector. The project plans to engage affordable housing agencies across the region in utilizing mass timber construction. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production.
Lead Partner: New England Forestry Foundation**
Other Major Partners: Seven Islands, Weyerhauser, Wagner Woodlands, Baskahegan, Robbins Lumber, Pasamoquoddy Forestry Dept, UMaine*,**, Nature Conservancy, Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership, Mass Tree Farm Program, Hull Forestlands, Heyes Family Forests, Trust to Conserve Northeast forestlands*,**, American Forest Foundation*,**, Spatial informatic group*, Innov. Natural Res. Solutions*, Spritios Properties, LLC*,**, Leers Weinzapfel Assoc*,**, Quantified Ventures*,**, Woodworks*, Forest Stewards Guild, Mas Audobon, Our climate common, Highstead Foundation, Mass Forest Alliance, CT Forest & Park Assoc, Appalach. Mtn Club. Mass Woodlands Institute,Tom Walker*, John Hagen*, Daigneault Consulting*
Primary States Expected: ME, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
- Michigan
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet MI (PDF, 313 KB)
A Climate-Smart Strategy for the Michigan Foodshed: Nourishing Our Land, Farmers, and Rural Communities
The project would focus on beginning and women farmers growing wheat, dry beans, food grade soybeans and oats. Participants can receive payments for inputting and sharing data; increasing their Truterra tool score; receiving Advanced scoring in the Truterra tool; for taking unproductive land out of production and for expanding their food growing operation by piloting food grade oats. Star of the West plans to promote climate-smart commodities with its existing network of wheat, flour, dry bean, food grade soy and oat customers, including processors, customers and restaurants. The project plans to host strategic learning circles, field days, and climate-smart leadership trainings specifically for beginning and women farmers and engage beginning farmers by providing summer internships, working with Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapters, college ag students, and the Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer program.
Lead Partner: Star of the West Milling Company
Other Major Partners: Michigan Agriculture Advancement; Artisan Grain Collaborative; Shiftology Communication; Hasenick Brothers Farm; Kellogg Biological Station Long Term Agroecosystem Research; Midwest GRIT; Van Buren County Conservation District; Wisconsin Women in Conservation; Bavarian Inn Restaurant
Major Commodities: Wheat, Dry Beans, Food grade soybean
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,700A Multi-Faceted Approach to Incentivizing Woody Perennial Growers to Establish Cover Crops in Orchards in Four Diverse Regions of the United States
Through this project, producers with orchards would receive financial incentives and technical assistance to incorporate cover crops into their operations. Project partners plan to help market these climate-smart fruits and nuts in areas that typically have less access to fresh food. About one-third of the project participants would be smaller-sized operations and partners plan to work to include minority owned orchards.
Lead Partner: Agoro Carbon Alliance US, Inc
Other Major Partners: Agoro Carbon Alliance, California Walnut Board and Commission, GO Seed, Padilla, FoodMinds
Major Commodities: Fruits and Nuts
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,800,000
Developing Climate-Smart Agriculture and Markets Amongst Socially-Disadvantaged, Limited-Resource, and Urban Farmers in Ohio and Michigan
This project would combine monitoring, outreach, and technical support to foster the adoption of climate-smart practices by minority vegetable and beef cattle farmers socially disadvantaged and limited resource farmers of Ohio and southern Michigan. It also creates synergy between climate-smart feedlot operations and socially disadvantaged farmers. Project partners plan to recruit minority vegetable and beef cattle farmers and selected Central State University students who would receive additional training on climate-smart agriculture. Small-scale and urban vegetable farmers enrolled in this project would receive funds to cover part of their operating costs.
Lead Partner: Central State University
Other Major Partners: Ohio State University, A & B Porteus, Southeast Michigan Producers Association (SEMPA), Wilmington College
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.)"
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000
Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities
This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Increasing Farm Resource Efficiency by Utilizing On-Site Post-Production Food Byproducts into Innovative Fertilizers and Climate-Smart Commodities
Project participants would use innovative technology to convert crop residue into two high-value fertilizers for soil, foliar, or hydroponic use, and market resulting climate-smart commodities. Grower economic benefits include: premium pricing for carbon-smart commodities, reduced fertilizer costs, reduced water consumption and related costs, potential reduction in environmental regulatory compliance/fees (where applicable) and expanded marketing opportunities to Re-Nuble or local markets.
Lead Partner: Re-Nuble, Inc
Other Major Partners: Helianth Partners, IPM Institute, Purple Thumb Farm, Kreher Family Farms, Blake Farms, Uncle Jerry’s Farm
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,697,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
The Michigan Climate Smart Farm Project
This project plans to provide financial assistance to small scale and underserved producers as they transition to climate-smart commodity production using practices like cover crops, residue and tillage management, pasture/silvo-pasture establishment, feed management, forest stand improvement, wetland restoration and combustion system improvements. Producers are planned to receive a regenerative premium through selling climate-smart products in direct-to-market opportunities like farmers markets.
Lead Partner: Michigan Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Washtenaw County Conservation District; University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability; Michigan Department of Agriculture- Environmental Stewardship Division; Carbon Yield; Washtenaw County; The Soil Inventory Project; Monroe Conservation District; Lenawee Conservation District; Keep Growing Detroit; Wayne County Conservation District; Taste the Local Difference (TLD); Water Words that Work (WWTW)
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,720,000
Urban Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Farm Initiative
The Urban Ag Climate Smart Commodities Farm Initiative intends to reach underserved, socially disadvantaged, primarily African American producers and provide financial incentives to Urban Ag Groups and Farmers to encourage participation in the program. This five-state pilot program would work with small and/or underserved producers to increase the supply and demand for Climate-Smart Commodities in rural and urban markets. The project would assist with purchasing items producers may need to set up climate-smart retail operations. Participants would also receive an UrbanAg Climate-Smart Commodities Marketing Toolkit and access to marketing bootcamps teaching farmers and partnering Urban Ag groups how to market climate-smart commodities to potential consumers. Participants would complete a survey at the beginning of the program to access their awareness and/or knowledge of Climate-Smart Agriculture, their willingness to adopt the practices and to determine what they might need to be successful.
Lead Partner: MCL JASCO, INC
Other Major Partners: Alabama A&M University, Alcorn University, Auburn University, Fort Valley State University, Jackson State University, Michigan State University, National Association of Women in Agriculture, Tuskegee University, University of Georgia, Washtenaw County Community College, Wayne County Community College
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,600ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks. DeLong (& 3rd party auditor) plan to verify practice implementation using documentation and select field visits. COMET-Farm or Granular Insights system will be used to estimate GHG benefits. The project plans to create global awareness and consumer preference for CSCs through existing buyer relationships creating CSC labeling for use on consumer goods. Project partners plan to play an active role in education, outreach, and inclusion of small and underserved producers, who will also receive an additional incentive on top of the climate smart practice incentive.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy*,**, Western New York Energy, Ingredion*,**, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company)*,**, Agris (Greenstone)*, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council*,**, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative*, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute*, Practical Farmers of Iowa*,**
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
- Minnesota
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet MN (PDF, 304 KB)
Climate-Smart Chicken and Feed: Scaling Climate-Smart Grain and Poultry Commodity Production as a System-Level Climate Solution for the Midwest
This project would support poultry producers who follow diversified regenerative climate-smart grain production methods incorporating small grains, no-till, and cover crops, integrated agroforestry practices. Producers may receive payments to adopt a climate-smart grain rotation for at least three years and for Organic climate-smart chicken production. Producers would receive a premium price for chickens, paid by Tree-Range Farms. Multiple strategic partners including tribal nations, immigrant-serving organizations, and other community partners plan to promote the project with underserved producers.Lead Partner: Regeneration International/Regenerative Agriculture Alliance
Other Major Partners: Regenerative Agriculture Alliance (RAA); Freshwater Society; Minnesota State University Mankato; Carleton College; Tree-Range® Farms; Makoce Agriculture Development, Oatly, Regenerative Agriculture Solutions, General Mills, Latino Economic Development Center
Major Commodities: Poultry, small grain, oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900
Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000
Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities
This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Minnesota Climate-Smart Seedling Production Network
The proposed project plans to work with forest owners to grow a set of climate-adapted tree species resilient to the projected climate futures of Minnesota’s Midwest Broadleaf Forest, and monitor and market the climate-smart commodity. Producers would receive a payment for each tree seedling grown, in addition to assistance with start-up costs, provision of wild-collected tree seed, and cooperatively managed shipping and distribution of seedings. Seedlings produced as part of this pilot would bear a “Climate-Smart” label and would include native trees selected based on their projected climate capability. The project would provide free training opportunities about tree seed collection and seedling production market opportunities, paying a fair, hourly wage for participating tree seed collectors and provide start-up funds for interested producers, but for whom cost would be a barrier to enter the market.Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: University of Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Three Rivers Parks District, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Urban Roots Seedling Production: Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota, Red Lake Nation, Regional Sustainable Development Partnership Monitoring and Evaluation: University of Minnesota-Duluth Market Access/Development: Hiawatha Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D)
Major Commodities: Tree Seedlings
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,997ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate-Smart Specialty Grains and Oilseeds: Covering America from Coast to Coast
This project increases on-farm crop rotations via a holistic management soil health protocol that results in identity preserved specialty grains and oilseeds, as well as a new category of climate-smart cover crop seed. The climate-smart specialty grains and oilseeds project will encourage farmers in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest to raise climate-smart oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina and develop related climate-smart markets. Project plans to provide technical assistance and direct financial climate-smart practice incentive payments or producer premiums for CS commodities. Partners plan to provide each underserved or small-scale producer participant a whole farm analysis enrolling more of their acres in working land conservation programs. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to quantify GHG benefits from both the contract specialty grain and oilseed fields and the resulting cover crops planted from their production. This project plans to grow five specialty crops (oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina) in a comprehensive climate-smart manner. Millborn Seeds plans to connect cover crop seed users. A target of 25% of total acres each year are planned to be reserved for underserved or small producers, ensuring that at least 25% of the incentive payments for the per bushel premium will go to these two producer groups. Additionally, an underserved rate is planned to be used for cover crop or perennial forage planting adoption, and technical assistance is planned to be provided to all participants on an individual basis. Each underserved or small producer are planned to receive a whole farm analysis from AgSpire on how more of their acres could participate in additional working lands conservation programs, beyond the enrolled acres in this project.
Lead Partner: Millborn Seeds, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: AgSpire*, EarthOptics*, High Plains Biochar, Biochar Co-Op, Value Added Agriculture Development Center, Grain Millers Inc., Iowa Cover Crop
Primary States Expected: IA,MN,MT,NE,ND,SD,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Oats, Rye, Flax, Buckwheat, Camelina, Specialty Grain, Oilseed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks. DeLong (& 3rd party auditor) plan to verify practice implementation using documentation and select field visits. COMET-Farm or Granular Insights system will be used to estimate GHG benefits. The project plans to create global awareness and consumer preference for CSCs through existing buyer relationships creating CSC labeling for use on consumer goods. Project partners plan to play an active role in education, outreach, and inclusion of small and underserved producers, who will also receive an additional incentive on top of the climate smart practice incentive.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy*,**, Western New York Energy, Ingredion*,**, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company)*,**, Agris (Greenstone)*, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council*,**, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative*, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute*, Practical Farmers of Iowa*,**
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000National Pork Board's Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value Proposal
The goal of this project is to increase the sustainability of U.S. pork products by advancing climate-smart agriculture practices within the feed supply, thereby maintaining market demand and price premiums in a rapidly evolving consumer world. The geography of focus – Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri – encapsulates a concentration of pork facilities supported by local grain production, representing a key region of the overall supply chain. Planned practices include cover crops, livestock integration in cover crops and manure management. The project plans to offer participants, including small-scale and underserved producers, free initial soil testing, technical assistance from partner agronomists, cost-share for practice adoption and tuition or scholarships for participating producers to attend advanced soil health training workshops through peer-to-peer networking.
The proposal plans to deploy an Sustainable Environmental Consultant's Ecosystem Practices software platform which uses the COMET-Farm GHG tool and Nutrient Tracking Tool for estimating Soil Organic Carbon stock changes, Nitrogen Oxide emissions, and nutrient and sediment losses, and use soil sampling to benchmark results. The project plans to utilize a number of processes to ensure adoption of practices, including precision farm data, work orders, seed purchase receipts, tagged images, remote sensed analytics, on-farm field inspection, and GHG results are planned to be aggregated from a field basis to the required spatial domain and will be delivered through dashboards and reports. Once published the quantified GHG benefits of U.S. pork and all the continuous sustainability improvement information derived through this project may be used by many entities, organizations and companies marketing pork globally. The project plans to support farmers to market their climate-smart commodities in a manner that best suits their production system and individual operation goals, empowering and incentivizing continuous improvement over the long-term (even after the grant is complete) including if they choose maturing environmental offset markets while also providing communications capacity to engage both producers (supply) and end-of-supply chain consumers (demand) in marketing resulting commodities and potential value-added. Priority ranking is planned for small and underserved producers. Technical and financial assistance, will include 1) Free initial soil test and baseline reporting 2) Free Technical Assistance (TA) from DU agronomy, SEC staff, and Millborn seed optimization specialist 3) Cost-share payments for CSA practice adoption 4) funded opportunities for participating producers to attend an advanced soil health training workshop (peer-peer networking).Lead Partner: National Pork Board**
Other Major Partners: Nestle, Sustainable Environmental Consultants, Ducks Unlimited*, Trust in Food (Farm Journal), Farm Credit Council**, Millborn Seed*, Nastrade**
Primary States Expected: IA, MN, MO
Major Commodities: Pork, Soybeans, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) Partnership: Supporting Agricultural Producers at All Scales to Deliver Productivity, Market Opportunities, and Enhanced Soil, Water, and Climate Benefits--This project will build climate-smart markets for a variety of agricutural commodities and help to make adopting climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices more economically viable for producers by compensating them at a rate that guarantees and reasonable return, with a price floor that surpasses costs..
Lead Partner: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Major Partners: Rural Partnership to Protect the Environment (RIPE), Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, North Dakota Farmers Union, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Arkansas Rice Federation, Agricultural Council of Arkansas, Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Assoc., Natl. Assoc. of Conservation Districts, National Black Growers Council, Sustainable Food Lab, Environmental Initiative, and Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR)
Major Commodities: Corn, Rice, Beef, Pork, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The GEVO Climate-Smart Farm-to-Flight Program--The project aims to create critical structural market incentives for low carbon-intensity (CI) corn as well as to accelerate the production of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce the sector’s dependency on fossil-based fuel. This project includes an immediate market opportunity to sell climate-smart, low-climate-impact corn.
Lead Partner: Gevo, Inc.
Major Partners: Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC, Google, Farmers Edge, EarthOptics, South Dakota State University, Regen Ag Labs, Yard Stick, Double H Ag Services, Farmers Edge, AgSpire, PrairieFood, Stine Seed Farm, Holganix, Trace Genomics, MidState Agronomy, Double H Ag Services, Colorado State University, Iowa State University, Standing Rock (SAGE) Renewable Energy Power Authority
Major Commodities: Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
- Missouri
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet MO (PDF, 307 KB)
Biochar for Climate-Smart Farms in Missouri
This project would provide direct on-farm assistance and support to convert on-farm ag-waste into biochar, a soil amendment, for Missouri farms and measure and market the resulting climate-smart commodities. The Missouri Organic Association (MOA) plans to launch a pilot program to provide Missouri’s underserved farming community with access to the knowledge, machinery, and support needed to turn their on-farm waste into usable climate-smart farm inputs. MOA and partners would conduct a multi-pronged program to develop and expand markets for climate-smart commodities produced by participating farmers and producers. In turn, the marketing development team would provide comprehensive and well-balanced coverage of marketing specialties.
Lead Partner: Missouri Organic Association
Other Major Partners: Missouri State University, Lincoln University, Five Star Family Farms Inc., Seidel Research and Development Company LLC, and Green Tribes Consulting LLC
Major Commodities: Corn, soy and other organic and specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,935,000Climate Resiliency for the Farm and Market Development: Economically Viable Low Carbon and Climate-Smart Practices for Soybean Farming
Team Climate-Smart Soybean plan to provide small/underserved soybean producers with sufficient incentives to encourage the use of climate-smart practices and participate in the development of markets and promotion of climate-smart soybeans. Participants would use cover crops, no-till, climate-smart soybeans, crop rotation, bio-fertilizers, and biochar. Led by a Hispanic-serving institution, project assistance would be provided in a culturally-relative approach.Lead Partner: University of Texas at Arlington
Other Major Partners: Texas A&M AgriLife, University of Missouri, Tarleton State University
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,991,400
Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000
Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers
All pilot participants would be paid a stipend to cover time spent on climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design. Each farm would also have access to incentive payments, dependent on their emissions reductions and specific implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. A Greener World plans to provide customized marketing support to all project producers. Partners would ensure all outreach and technical assistance efforts are culturally-relevant and would assist producers in becoming Certified Regenerative which allows them to access new climate-smart markets and sell commodities for a higher premium.
Lead Partner: Greener World
Other Major Partners: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, Sub-contractor/Evaluation Partner, Soil Health Institute (SHI), National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), National Co-op Grocers (NCG)Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA)
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Beef, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,000,000Innovative Cover-crop Opportunity, Verification and Economy stimulating technology for underserved farmers using Robotics (iCOVER)
The iCOVER project plans to scale up robotic cover crop planting and verification of soil carbon through innovative radiological robotic sensing technologies, creating markets for climate-smart products for minority underserved farmers growing specialty crops and animal products. The project plans to use standard and well-established soil sampling and remote sensing methods to measure and quantify the effect of cover crops on carbon sequestration, and then develop and scale up an innovative in-situ robotic system capable of soil carbon measurements at high-throughput using a contact-free radiological method for fast, accurate and automated soil organic carbon quantification. The project is planned to also focus on market building for underserved producers through an existing resource and partnerships with grocery chains and restaurants.
Lead Partner: University of Illinois
Other Major Partners: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Tuskegee University; Earth-Sense, Inc., Corteva, Indigo Ag
Major Commodities: Corn, Vegetables and Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Iowa Tribe Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA) Innovation Pilot Program
The Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture Pilot Program plans to educate Native American participants on climate-smart practices, provide long lasting benefits to soil and water health through climate-smart practices, and expand markets for climate-smart commodities. The CERNA Project plans to provide each producer annual incentives and premium payments and a one-time financial assistance payment for the necessary education and training needed to implement climate-smart practices. Additionally, CERNA plans to directly support farmers by purchasing 100 percent of all eligible climate-smart commodities produced under this project, which would hold the “Regenified” label under premium contracts.
Lead Partner: Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Other Major Partners: Terramera, Regenified, Understanding Ag, Soil Health Academy, John Deere Director of Emerging Technology, Taste Profit Marketing, Oatly, Cooks Ventures, Global Processing, Bratney, Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri, Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Grey Snow Management Solutions, The Akana Group, The Intertribal Ag Council
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,700
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000AGriCapture Climate-Friendly Rice
This project will benefit climate-smart farmers in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, and California while expanding climate-smart rice markets and guaranteeing a supply of climate-smart rice to customers. All farms will be certified under the ACFRS. This project plans direct incentive payment to producers for climate-smart practice implementation and identity preserved storage and potential crop premiums for producers who develop their own processing capabilities and markets. Planned practices include: alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigated rice, reduced burning of rice stubble, early incorporation of rice stubble into the soil, and various techniques for improving nitrogen fertilizer efficiency. The project plans to follow AgriCapture's Climate-Friendly ™ Rice Standard, which uses IPCC equations and DNDC modeling for GHG benefits; representative soil sampling; in-field data collection activities including drone footage, ground level photos and videos, etc.; and use of remote sensing technologies to monitor changes in practices. The project plans to leverage existing marketing and sales employees to develop the buyer market for climate smart rice. The project plans to assist 30 percent underserved or small producers.
Lead Partner: AgriCapture, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Univ. of MO*, Cedar Woods Consulting*, Dainty Foods, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Blue Apron, McKaskle Family Farm, Arkansas River Rice Mill, Anheuser-Busch
Primary States Expected: AR, CA, LA, MS, MO, TX
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,500,000An Integrated Approach to Scaling-Up Climate-Smart Practices for Crop, Livestock, and Agroforestry Production
This project will focus on a training program about climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices in conjunction with financial incentives for ag producers who implement the CSA practices. The goal is to expand climate-smart agriculture markets throughout Missouri and serve as a teaching model for other states. To better engage small scale producers, including underserved farmers, the project plans to offer 100 farmers incentive funds to create climate-smart fieldscape demonstrations including cover crops and regenerative grazing. The project plans for farmers that sign up for incentive payments to provide data through the signup app on relevant farm management, including tillage, cover crops, rotation, nutrient management, and other practices for COMET-Planner assessment of each site. New high-throughput Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) gas analyzer technologies and soil carbon stock measures are planned to be leveraged to prove vital for a comprehensive understanding the impact of climate-smart practices. Out of the 25 partners on this project, 9 are private companies that plan to help with marketing, as will the three commodity organizations and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Specific markets planned to be engaged include biofuels, beef, specialty crop markets, and ESMC. To better engage small farmers, including underserved farmers, the project plans to offer 100 farmers the opportunity to create a demonstration climate-smart fieldscape on their farm with a dedicated pool of incentive funds for small and underserved farmers participating in climate-smart fieldscape demonstrations and by reserving at least 30% of the remaining incentive funds for small and underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: The Curators of the University of Missouri**
Other Major Partners: Lincoln University*, MO Soybean Assoc./Merchandising Council*,**, MO Corn Growers Assoc./Merchandising Council*,**, MO Cattlemen’s Association*,**, MO Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts*,**, The Nature Conservancy, Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture*,**, EarthDance*, STAR Program, ESMC*,**, MO Department of Agriculture**, MO Department of Natural Resources, MO Department of Conservation, MO Agribusiness Association, MFA Inc., MO Fertilizer Control Board, Kansas City Food Hub*,**, FarmRaise*,**, MARC-IV Consulting*,**, Nestle-Purina, Show-Me Energy, Mid-America Biofuels, MO Prime Beef Packers, MO Farm Bureau*,**, NC State University*
Primary States Expected: MO
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Oats, Sorghum, Cotton, Beef, Dairy, Other Livestock, Pulse, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-Smart Camelina --This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Major Commodities: Camelina
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Climate-Smart Grasslands: The Root of Agricultural Carbon Markets --A diverse partnership of 28 entities will develop climate-smart grasslands agriculture for the eastern US through a large-scale pilot project. The project collaborates with 245 working farms to install innovative, scientifically sound practices that improve soil carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain operational profitability and resiliency.
Lead Partner: The University of Tennessee
Major Partners: Univ. of AR, KY, MO AL Cooperative Extension, Clemson Univ., NC State University, Purdue Univ., TN State Univ., Univ. of TN, VA State University, and VA Tech, Tyson Foods Inc., JBS, Corteva, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Ecosystem Services Marketing Consortium, American Forage & Grassland Council, National Grazing Lands Coalition, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, multiple state cattle associations, American and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federations, The Nature Conservancy, American Bird Conservancy, Monarch Joint Venture, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, TN Department of Agriculture, MO Department of Conservation, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Major Commodities: Beef, Small Ruminants, Dairy, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large-scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and historically underserved producers. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in CropTrak®, which offers a proprietary cloud and mobile platform to help food and beverage companies increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of their supply chain. Once this data is entered, related greenhouse gas emissions and GHG emission reductions are planned to be calculated through third-party calculators integrated into the USDA COMET-Farm platform. Elevated plans to leverage its expertise in marketing and branding to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers, to broadly communicate the value of climate-smart fruits and vegetables with customers in multiple market sectors from farmers’ markets consumers to global retailers. Materials created through this effort are planned to include branded stickers for produce; branded produce bags and boxes; and the development of videos, social media promotions, and printed materials to share the value of climate-smart produce with consumers. The project plans to commit at least 25 percent of budgeted funds for producer incentives to support small and historically underserved fruit and vegetable producers.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods**
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture*, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag*, Soil Health Academy*, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak*, Decade Impact*, Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops*
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000
Growing Value for Producers --This project will create and pilot-test a farmer-friendly system that builds capacity with institutions interacting with a range of producers, including underserved producers, to support adoption of climate smart practices and interact with commodity buyers in climate-smart markets.
Lead Partner: Winrock International Institute for Agriculture Development
Major Partners: Arva Intelligence, Blue Raster, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Riceland Foods Inc
Major Commodities: Rice, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Horizon II: A climate-smart future for corn, soybean, livestock, and renewable natural gas production--This project will enhance climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve carbon sequestration in the production of corn, soybean, pork, and beef commodities, while creating opportunities for small and historically underserved producers and benefitting soil health, clean water, flood control, and habitats for native wildlife.
Lead Partner: Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC
Major Partners: Biostar Renewables, Conservation Districts of Iowa, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa State University, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Sievers Family Farms, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, Smithfield Foods, The Nature Conservancy, University of Missouri, Verdesian, Veterans in Agriculture
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Pork, Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000National Pork Board's Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value Proposal
The goal of this project is to increase the sustainability of U.S. pork products by advancing climate-smart agriculture practices within the feed supply, thereby maintaining market demand and price premiums in a rapidly evolving consumer world. The geography of focus – Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri – encapsulates a concentration of pork facilities supported by local grain production, representing a key region of the overall supply chain. Planned practices include cover crops, livestock integration in cover crops and manure management. The project plans to offer participants, including small-scale and underserved producers, free initial soil testing, technical assistance from partner agronomists, cost-share for practice adoption and tuition or scholarships for participating producers to attend advanced soil health training workshops through peer-to-peer networking.
The proposal plans to deploy an Sustainable Environmental Consultant's Ecosystem Practices software platform which uses the COMET-Farm GHG tool and Nutrient Tracking Tool for estimating Soil Organic Carbon stock changes, Nitrogen Oxide emissions, and nutrient and sediment losses, and use soil sampling to benchmark results. The project plans to utilize a number of processes to ensure adoption of practices, including precision farm data, work orders, seed purchase receipts, tagged images, remote sensed analytics, on-farm field inspection, and GHG results are planned to be aggregated from a field basis to the required spatial domain and will be delivered through dashboards and reports. Once published the quantified GHG benefits of U.S. pork and all the continuous sustainability improvement information derived through this project may be used by many entities, organizations and companies marketing pork globally. The project plans to support farmers to market their climate-smart commodities in a manner that best suits their production system and individual operation goals, empowering and incentivizing continuous improvement over the long-term (even after the grant is complete) including if they choose maturing environmental offset markets while also providing communications capacity to engage both producers (supply) and end-of-supply chain consumers (demand) in marketing resulting commodities and potential value-added. Priority ranking is planned for small and underserved producers. Technical and financial assistance, will include 1) Free initial soil test and baseline reporting 2) Free Technical Assistance (TA) from DU agronomy, SEC staff, and Millborn seed optimization specialist 3) Cost-share payments for CSA practice adoption 4) funded opportunities for participating producers to attend an advanced soil health training workshop (peer-peer networking).Lead Partner: National Pork Board**
Other Major Partners: Nestle, Sustainable Environmental Consultants, Ducks Unlimited*, Trust in Food (Farm Journal), Farm Credit Council**, Millborn Seed*, Nastrade**
Primary States Expected: IA, MN, MO
Major Commodities: Pork, Soybeans, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Rice Stewardship Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities--This project will build climate-smart rice markets and work to reduce methane emissions in rice production through the adoption of alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigation, and other climate-smart practices and support historically underserved producers by improving critical infrastructure necessary to implement climate-smart practices in the future.
Lead Partner: USA Rice Federation, Inc
Major Partners: National Black Growers Council; Warehouses4Good; Entergy Corporation; Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; USA Rice; California Rice Commission; Delta F.A.R.M.; Walmart Corporation; Walmart Foundation; Nestle’ Purina PetCare Company; The Mosaic Company; RiceTec, Inc.; Anheuser-Busch; Riceland Foods; Delta Plastics; Corteva Agriscience; Field to Market; Arva Intelligence; Regrow; University of Arkansas; Mars; Kellogg’s.
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000Scaling Up the Industrial Hemp Supply Chain as Carbon Negative Feedstock for Fuel and Fiber
This project will help with commercializing and marketing climate-smart hemp crops while driving soil carbon sequestration and climate resilience. The project aims to provide effective valuation and monetization of environmental services, including carbon dioxide removal via implementation of new genetics and management practices to increase sustainability of hemp as an annual crop in the U.S. The project plans to support small-scale, minority and other underserved farmers by paying producer license fees, incentives and seed costs. Partners are planning Climate-Smart marketing and technical feasibility studies. Leaf and soil samples will be collected from farm sites. The project plans to use data collection to verify satisfactory model performance of various computer simulation models used to manage natural resources [e.g., COMET-Farm, DayCent, The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and The Agricultural Policy / Environmental eXtender (APEX)]. Marketing feasibility studies and technical feasibility studies are planned to be conducted during the Climate Smart grant study to determine the scale and location of the plants.The project plans to pre-contract and identity preserve crops. The project plans to support small and minority and underrepresented farmers by paying producer license fees, incentives and seed costs.
Lead Partner: Lincoln University
Other Major Partners: National Hemp Association, Kansas Farmers Union, Missouri Farmers Union*, Missouri Organic Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People*, Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Oklahoma Farmers Union, ShowMe State Hemp Association, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Donald Danforth Plant Science Research Center*, Oklahoma State University*, Prairie View A&M Univ.*, St. Louis Univ.*, Southeast Missouri State Univ., Univ. of Missouri*, Benchmark Design, Cquester Analytics, DTE Materials, HempWood, Midwest Natural Fiber*, New West Genetics*, REA Resource Recovery Systems, Rockwater, Renaissance Fiber, The GIC Group*
Primary States Expected: MO (and CO, OK, TX for test plots only)
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $5,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- Mississippi
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet MS (PDF, 303 KB)
ClimateSmartGoods.com - Set Your Table and Lower Your Footprint
The project plans to select farms in Mississippi and South Carolina to demonstrate the implementation of conservation/production plans – “Smart Crop Plans”, supporting the creation of a corresponding knowledge-based training platform. Project partners also plan to provide professional marketing consultant to advise on packaging, branding and marketing of “Climate Smart” products and connecting the products with retail and wholesale markets.
Lead Partner: Up in Farms LLC
Other Major Partners: Up in Farms, Center of Resilience Excellence South Carolina, DRA Resources, Florida A&M University, Microsoft, NASA HBCU, Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance, Chulahoma's Garden LLC, BrightMa Farms, Piney Woods School, Warehouses 4 Good
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Improved Practices of Climate-Smart Livestock Production Systems and Agricultural Commodities while Enhancing Carbon Sequestration in the Southern USA: Innovating toward a new climate-smart commodity by investing in minority producers
The project plans to work with minority small producers to implement silvopasture systems and climate-resilient forage systems. Producers would receive incentives that enable their participation in climate-smart pilots and continued implementation, including reduced feed costs, carbon credit profits, and value-added products. Partners would create a mobile processing and marketing system to support the local, farm-direct meat production pipeline in a climate-conscious manner. The marketing pipeline combine farmers’ markets, local restaurants, craft butcher shops, and direct to-consumer approaches.
Lead Partner: Tuskegee University
Other Major Partners: Mississippi State University, Alabama A&M University, Langston University, Widget Development & Trading Company
Major Commodities: Sheep and Goats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,081,100Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers
All pilot participants would be paid a stipend to cover time spent on climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design. Each farm would also have access to incentive payments, dependent on their emissions reductions and specific implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. A Greener World plans to provide customized marketing support to all project producers. Partners would ensure all outreach and technical assistance efforts are culturally-relevant and would assist producers in becoming Certified Regenerative which allows them to access new climate-smart markets and sell commodities for a higher premium.
Lead Partner: Greener World
Other Major Partners: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, Sub-contractor/Evaluation Partner, Soil Health Institute (SHI), National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), National Co-op Grocers (NCG)Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA)
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Beef, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,000,000
Increasing Farm Resource Efficiency by Utilizing On-Site Post-Production Food Byproducts into Innovative Fertilizers and Climate-Smart Commodities
Project participants would use innovative technology to convert crop residue into two high-value fertilizers for soil, foliar, or hydroponic use, and market resulting climate-smart commodities. Grower economic benefits include: premium pricing for carbon-smart commodities, reduced fertilizer costs, reduced water consumption and related costs, potential reduction in environmental regulatory compliance/fees (where applicable) and expanded marketing opportunities to Re-Nuble or local markets
Lead Partner: Re-Nuble, Inc
Other Major Partners: Helianth Partners, IPM Institute, Purple Thumb Farm, Kreher Family Farms, Blake Farms, Uncle Jerry’s Farm
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,697,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
National Black Growers Council Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program
In this project, the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) plans to work with historically underserved farmers to test regenerative agricultural practices and determine which are best suited for various regions and farm types in the Southeast United States. Once complete, NBGC plans to scale up participation to include additional farmers, providing incentives to increase adoption of regenerative agricultural practices and leveraging market data to sell products to corporate partners who need to meet corporate sustainability goals.
Lead Partner: National Black Growers Council
Other Major Partners: Cargill, Bayer, Syngenta
Major Commodities: Cotton, corn, rice, soybeans, sugar cane, peanuts, canola, and grain sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,789,000
Urban Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Farm Initiative
The Urban Ag Climate Smart Commodities Farm Initiative intends to reach underserved, socially disadvantaged, primarily African American producers and provide financial incentives to Urban Ag Groups and Farmers to encourage participation in the program. This five-state pilot program would work with small and/or underserved producers to increase the supply and demand for Climate-Smart Commodities in rural and urban markets. The project would assist with purchasing items producers may need to set up climate-smart retail operations. Participants would also receive an UrbanAg Climate-Smart Commodities Marketing Toolkit and access to marketing bootcamps teaching farmers and partnering Urban Ag groups how to market climate-smart commodities to potential consumers. Participants would complete a survey at the beginning of the program to access their awareness and/or knowledge of Climate-Smart Agriculture, their willingness to adopt the practices and to determine what they might need to be successful.
Lead Partner: MCL JASCO, INC
Other Major Partners: Alabama A&M University, Alcorn University, Auburn University, Fort Valley State University, Jackson State University, Michigan State University, National Association of Women in Agriculture, Tuskegee University, University of Georgia, Washtenaw County Community College, Wayne County Community College
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,600ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000AGriCapture Climate-Friendly Rice
This project will benefit climate-smart farmers in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, and California while expanding climate-smart rice markets and guaranteeing a supply of climate-smart rice to customers. All farms will be certified under the ACFRS. This project plans direct incentive payment to producers for climate-smart practice implementation and identity preserved storage and potential crop premiums for producers who develop their own processing capabilities and markets. Planned practices include: alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigated rice, reduced burning of rice stubble, early incorporation of rice stubble into the soil, and various techniques for improving nitrogen fertilizer efficiency. The project plans to follow AgriCapture's Climate-Friendly ™ Rice Standard, which uses IPCC equations and DNDC modeling for GHG benefits; representative soil sampling; in-field data collection activities including drone footage, ground level photos and videos, etc.; and use of remote sensing technologies to monitor changes in practices. The project plans to leverage existing marketing and sales employees to develop the buyer market for climate smart rice. The project plans to assist 30 percent underserved or small producers.
Lead Partner: AgriCapture, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Univ. of MO*, Cedar Woods Consulting*, Dainty Foods, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Blue Apron, McKaskle Family Farm, Arkansas River Rice Mill, Anheuser-Busch
Primary States Expected: AR, CA, LA, MS, MO, TX
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,500,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Developing Climate-Smart Grain Markets in the Mid-South through Diverse Partnerships and a Farming-Systems Approach to Practice Integration to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
This project seeks to demonstrate the viability of growing climate-smart (CS) grains that are sold to poultry feed operations. This project will develop a pilot program for grain producers to utilize multiple climate-smart practices to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. The pilot program includes a monitoring /verification system, local climate-smart market opportunity for direct sale, and tracking CS grain to broiler operations. Soil sampling and GHG emissions monitoring is planned to be conducted on a subset of the incentivized acres and the data will be utilized to refine a generalized regional scale model of estimated suitability for climate smart systems and prediction of benefits. Verified GHG emissions reports and ownership of verified emission reductions is planned to be directly provided to producers as the owners. The project plans to establish a direct market for sale of climate-smart grains through partnerships with local poultry industries who source grain as a key feed ingredient. Historically underserved producers are planned to receive a 15% higher payment to incentivize climate smart practice implementation. The project plans for 50% of annual producer enrollment and incentive payments to be directed to minority or underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Mississippi State University**
Other Major Partners: Southern Ag Services, Inc.*, University of Arkansas*.**, Conservation Solutions LLC*, Alcorn State University*,**
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, LA, MS
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Poultry
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large-scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and historically underserved producers. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in CropTrak®, which offers a proprietary cloud and mobile platform to help food and beverage companies increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of their supply chain. Once this data is entered, related greenhouse gas emissions and GHG emission reductions are planned to be calculated through third-party calculators integrated into the USDA COMET-Farm platform. Elevated plans to leverage its expertise in marketing and branding to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers, to broadly communicate the value of climate-smart fruits and vegetables with customers in multiple market sectors from farmers’ markets consumers to global retailers. Materials created through this effort are planned to include branded stickers for produce; branded produce bags and boxes; and the development of videos, social media promotions, and printed materials to share the value of climate-smart produce with consumers. The project plans to commit at least 25 percent of budgeted funds for producer incentives to support small and historically underserved fruit and vegetable producers.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods**
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture*, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag*, Soil Health Academy*, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak*, Decade Impact*, Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops*
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Producer Led Collaborative Effort to Fundamentally Transition the U.S. Beef Supply Chain to Carbon Neutral--This eight-state project will amplify production of climate-smart beef by expanding market drivers, grassroots support networks, and early adopter mentors and providing technical assistance for the adoption of Climate-smart grazing practices to substantially reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. The project will also support farmers in protecting their land through permanent easements to help ensure that the soil health and climate benefits from those practices continue far into the future.
Lead Partner: American Farmland Trust
Major Partners: American Farmland Trust, The Integrity Beef Alliance, Indigo Ag, AgriWebb, Freedmen Heirs Foundation, Earth Optics, Regenified, OpenTEAM, U.S. Biochar Initiative, Virginia Forage and Grasslands Council, Maryland Grazers Network, Pennsylvania Grazing Lands Coalition, Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, Black Family Land Trust, Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont, and Farmer Veteran Coalition
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Rice Stewardship Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities--This project will build climate-smart rice markets and work to reduce methane emissions in rice production through the adoption of alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigation, and other climate-smart practices and support historically underserved producers by improving critical infrastructure necessary to implement climate-smart practices in the future.
Lead Partner: USA Rice Federation, Inc
Major Partners: National Black Growers Council; Warehouses4Good; Entergy Corporation; Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; USA Rice; California Rice Commission; Delta F.A.R.M.; Walmart Corporation; Walmart Foundation; Nestle’ Purina PetCare Company; The Mosaic Company; RiceTec, Inc.; Anheuser-Busch; Riceland Foods; Delta Plastics; Corteva Agriscience; Field to Market; Arva Intelligence; Regrow; University of Arkansas; Mars; Kellogg’s.
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000SmartAgGro Pilot Program Provides Technical and Builds Partnership Markets to America’s Climate-Smart Farmers, Ranchers, & Forest Owners to Strengthen U.S. Rural and Agricultural Communities
This project will implement a scalable climate-smart marketing strategy to assist underserved farmers in Mississippi Congressional District 2 to adopt climate-smart practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in production of beef and other products. This project aims to apply cover crops, low till/no till, nutrient management, buffers, feed management, grazing plans and manure management. The project plans to provide marketing training to participating farmers to help them develop marketing strategies and retrain higher farm-to-consumer margins by identifying both wholesale and retail markets and effective promotion and advertising. Partners plan to work with Historical Black Colleges and Universities to reach their networks of underserved growers. This project intends to utilize a Teralytic FMS probe equipped to collect farm management practice data and help reduce uncertainty in modeling greenhouse gas emissions from the field and potential carbon sequestration and streamline the verification process for premium carbon credits which may be traded on a marketplace and serve as an additional source of income for producers. The probe would be used to support the monitoring and modeling for soil organic carbon (SOC) percentage and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, opening the door to use this technology in support of carbon and ecosystem services markets. The project plans to train farmers how to recognize when strong demand exists; how to develop strategies to supply products or services to meet that demand; and how to enter the local market on a small scale and retain higher farm-to-consumer margins by identifying both wholesale and retail markets, building relationships with buyers, packaging, and labeling products properly, negotiating and delivering products to buyers in compliance with the opportunity and marketing contract, meeting market specifications, possessing logistics and transportation, securing decent prices, and effective promotion and advertising. The Smart-Way Incentive Program (SWIP) is the innovative Financial Assistance Plan for Team Vanguard. SWIP prioritizes support to small and underserved farmers by ensuring access to fair and equitable funding. Team Vanguard is partnering with Historical Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and their networks of undeserved growers to deploy a soil analytic technology (Teralytic farm management system (FMS) on farms in Mississippi.
Lead Partner: Vanguard (OTE) Consortium
Other Major Partners: Alcorn State University*,**, Jackson State University, Rust College, Mississippi Valley State University*, Cindy Ayers, Amerimac Chemical Corp*, Enviro-Remediation Educational Services*, Heifer International*, Dr. David Powell*
Primary States Expected: MS
Major Commodities: Beef, Soybeans, Corn, Forage, Pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- Montana
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet MT (PDF, 303 KB)
Growing the Impossible: Climate Smart Commodities in Tribal Homelands
This project plans to provide technical assistance, training, financial incentives and business planning and marketing support for climate-smart commodities produced on tribal homelands. This project plans to support climate-smart practices, including adaptive multi-paddock higher intensity rotational grazing which lead to increased soil organic carbon storage. The work is planned to align with holistic Blackfeet-specific regenerative grazing strategies in direct partnership with Tribal land managers and individual producers.
Lead Partner: Piikani Lodge Health Institute (PLHI)
Other Major Partners: Piikani Lodge Health Institute, Blackfeet Community College, Blackfeet Environmental Office, Montana State University, Soils Lab, Montana State University, Buffalo Nations Food Systems Initiative, Montana State University, Native Lands Project, Animo Partnership in Natural Resources LLC, Montana Audubon, Western Sustainability Exchange, SciGaia, Crystal Springs and Flower Hill Institute, Chris Roper Services and Flower Hill Institute, Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000
Improving Access to Grazing Resources for Native American Farmers and Ranchers
Native American farmers and ranchers would receive technical assistance and education, and at least $1 million in direct payments to support the adoption of climate-smart practices like rotational grazing and planting of native grasses. Partners plan to assist participants with validating greenhouse gas emission reductions and marketing climate-smart commodities, including creating marketable emission offsets or credits.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal Agricultural Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farm Journal Foundation, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, and the Yield Lab Institute
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,925,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Climate Beneficial Fiber: Building New, Accessible, and Equitable Market Opportunities for Climate-Smart Cotton and Wool
This project will expand the existing Climate Beneficial™ fiber program: a system for sequestering carbon, regenerating soil health and resilience, improving social equity, and bolstering America's ability to produce climate-smart fiber. A newly created, open-source, Carbon Farm Planning and Verification Platform will streamline climate-smart agriculture planning and verification for producers, verifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The project plans to have a trained Planner monitor implementation, ensuring that practices are implemented in accordance with practice standard criteria linked to the COMET tools. A Portal database architecture is planned to allow for anticipated and realized GHG benefits to be queried by project, region, commodity, or dollar expended, allowing these data to be aggregated and analyzed at various scales. Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation.
Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation. This project aims to meet the equity goals of the Justice40 Initiative, directing at least 40% of project benefits to small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource, and women farmers, as well as producers growing specialty crops.
Lead Partner: National Center for Appropriate Technology, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Carbon Cycle Institute*,**, Colorado State University Dept of Soil and Crop Sciences*, Fibershed*,**, Seed 2 Shirt*,**, New York Textile Lab*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, GA, IN, MT, NC, NY, SD, TN, WY
Major Commodities: Sheep, Wool, Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-Smart Camelina --This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Major Commodities: Camelina
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Climate-Smart Specialty Grains and Oilseeds: Covering America from Coast to Coast
This project increases on-farm crop rotations via a holistic management soil health protocol that results in identity preserved specialty grains and oilseeds, as well as a new category of climate-smart cover crop seed. The climate-smart specialty grains and oilseeds project will encourage farmers in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest to raise climate-smart oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina and develop related climate-smart markets. Project plans to provide technical assistance and direct financial climate-smart practice incentive payments or producer premiums for CS commodities. Partners plan to provide each underserved or small-scale producer participant a whole farm analysis enrolling more of their acres in working land conservation programs. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to quantify GHG benefits from both the contract specialty grain and oilseed fields and the resulting cover crops planted from their production. This project plans to grow five specialty crops (oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina) in a comprehensive climate-smart manner. Millborn Seeds plans to connect cover crop seed users. A target of 25% of total acres each year are planned to be reserved for underserved or small producers, ensuring that at least 25% of the incentive payments for the per bushel premium will go to these two producer groups. Additionally, an underserved rate is planned to be used for cover crop or perennial forage planting adoption, and technical assistance is planned to be provided to all participants on an individual basis. Each underserved or small producer are planned to receive a whole farm analysis from AgSpire on how more of their acres could participate in additional working lands conservation programs, beyond the enrolled acres in this project.
Lead Partner: Millborn Seeds, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: AgSpire*, EarthOptics*, High Plains Biochar, Biochar Co-Op, Value Added Agriculture Development Center, Grain Millers Inc., Iowa Cover Crop
Primary States Expected: IA,MN,MT,NE,ND,SD,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Oats, Rye, Flax, Buckwheat, Camelina, Specialty Grain, Oilseed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West
This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to verify GHG benefits. In addition, Colorado State University will study impact and adoption of climate-smart soil health practices. The project plans to use a STAR Rating System to market & receive premium for climate-smart products. Branding opportunities for STAR related products will be used. The project plans to support multiple underserved producers with financial assistance. To ensure equitable administration that includes small / underserved producers, improved understanding and awareness of climate-smart commodities among small and underserved producers, expand their access to participation and reduce market entry risk, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) and others to help guide recruitment and peer to peer learning.
Lead Partner: Colorado Department of Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District*, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts & Conservation Districts in other states*,**, Colorado Open Lands*, Colorado State University*, National Center for Appropriate Technology*, Sangre de Cristo Association of Acequias, Univ. of Idaho, Montana State Univ., New Mexico State Univ., Utah State University, Univ. of Wyoming, Audubon Society, Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, Acres USA, Quivira Coalition, Yardstick, Zero Foodprint, Bob’s Red Mill, Quinn Snacks, Groundup Consulting*,
Primary States Expected: CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WA, WY
Major Commodities: Beef, Corn, Grains
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Reducing GHG Emissions and Improving Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential through High-Carbon Soil Amendment
This pilot project will support expansion of climate-smart markets and implementation of climate-smart practices to augment conservation Best Management Practices and generate reference data to support development of regionally optimized ecosystem services models. The geographic focus of this project (CO, NE, WY, MT) has naturally low basal soil organic carbon, which means greater sequestration potential. Western Sugar Cooperative will use its close ties to the farmer and access to extensive production records to conduct high-level impact modeling using COMET to educate growers and build momentum for broad participation in an ecosystem services exchange. This project focuses on creating new value for Climate-Smart Sugar. Sugar users desire sustainable sugar. Fulfillment of most sugar user’s quantitative corporate sustainability goals relies heavily on domestic farmers. Currently, impact tracking is taxing for farmers, has high degrees of uncertainty, and likely results in double counting within the value chain. Using the cooperative structure to co-market ecosystem services will create competition for these valuable GHG benefits by allowing the farmers to fulfill a greater diversity of demand (e.g., CPGs, retailers, off-sets, public, etc.) and eventually spur incentives from the users of the Climate-Smart sugar. Farmers meeting the USDA definition of historically underserved are planned to receive 125% of the incentive with a 150% incentive for any implementation on Crow Tribe cropland: two-thirds to the farmer and one-third to the landowner.
Lead Partner: The Western Sugar Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Crow Tribe, Panhandle Research and Extension Center at the University of Nebraska*,**; Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion at University of Wyoming**; Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center; Colorado State University*
Primary States Expected: CO, MT, NE, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sugar beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $6,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
- North Carolina
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet NC (PDF, 305 KB)
Activating Food Hub Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture and Rural Revitalization
This project promotes climate-smart agriculture practices among small and underserved producers, including tribal producers, principally by equipping food hubs to finance and advise on-farm climate-smart practice implementation and marketing to wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. Participating farmers, who would receive technical assistance and training, would implement intensive rotational grazing; multispecies cover crops, crop rotation and reduced tillage/no-till; compost and biochar.
Lead Partner: Working Landscapes
Other Major Partners: North Carolina State University Center for Environmental Farming Systems, North Carolina A&T State University (BCU) Cooperative Extension, Resourceful Communities Partnership of the Conservation Fund, Croatan Institute, Haliwa Saponi Tribe, Weaver Street Market, Fruitful Innovation Group, Bender Farms, CEFS North Carolina 10% Campaign, Lumbee Farmers Cooperative (representing four Native American farmers), Davis Farms Sandy Creek (small, African-American owned produce and livestock farm), Hunt’s Farm (small, African-American owned produce and livestock farm), Bender Farms (small produce and row crop farm), Fourtee Acres (an African-American owned produce, row crop, and timber farm), Working Landscapes, Farmer Foodshare, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, Men & Women United, TRACTOR
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers
All pilot participants would be paid a stipend to cover time spent on climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design. Each farm would also have access to incentive payments, dependent on their emissions reductions and specific implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. A Greener World plans to provide customized marketing support to all project producers. Partners would ensure all outreach and technical assistance efforts are culturally-relevant and would assist producers in becoming Certified Regenerative which allows them to access new climate-smart markets and sell commodities for a higher premium.
Lead Partner: Greener World
Other Major Partners: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, Sub-contractor/Evaluation Partner, Soil Health Institute (SHI), National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), National Co-op Grocers (NCG)Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA)
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Beef, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,000,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.
Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Building Soil, Building Equity: Accelerating a Regenerative Farming Movement in Appalachia and the Southeast
This project seeks to build climate-smart markets and sequester carbon over thousands of acres of Appalachian and rural southeastern land through strategic recruitment from networks of producers. The project will use education, outreach, technical assistance, and incentivizing producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts.
Lead Partner: Accelerating Appalachia
Other Major Partners: National Center for Appropriate Technologies*, Kentucky State University*,**, Working Trees from Stanford University’s TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy*, Carbon Harvest*,GRC Advising*,**, Latin Talent Accelerator*
Primary States Expected: GA, KY, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Row Crops, Beef, Pork, Cotton, Wool & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Climate Beneficial Fiber: Building New, Accessible, and Equitable Market Opportunities for Climate-Smart Cotton and Wool
This project will expand the existing Climate Beneficial™ fiber program: a system for sequestering carbon, regenerating soil health and resilience, improving social equity, and bolstering America's ability to produce climate-smart fiber. A newly created, open-source, Carbon Farm Planning and Verification Platform will streamline climate-smart agriculture planning and verification for producers, verifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The project plans to have a trained Planner monitor implementation, ensuring that practices are implemented in accordance with practice standard criteria linked to the COMET tools. A Portal database architecture is planned to allow for anticipated and realized GHG benefits to be queried by project, region, commodity, or dollar expended, allowing these data to be aggregated and analyzed at various scales. Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation.
Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation. This project aims to meet the equity goals of the Justice40 Initiative, directing at least 40% of project benefits to small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource, and women farmers, as well as producers growing specialty crops.
Lead Partner: National Center for Appropriate Technology, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Carbon Cycle Institute*,**, Colorado State University Dept of Soil and Crop Sciences*, Fibershed*,**, Seed 2 Shirt*,**, New York Textile Lab*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, GA, IN, MT, NC, NY, SD, TN, WY
Major Commodities: Sheep, Wool, Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000
Climate-Smart Grasslands: The Root of Agricultural Carbon Markets --A diverse partnership of 28 entities will develop climate-smart grasslands agriculture for the eastern US through a large-scale pilot project. The project collaborates with 245 working farms to install innovative, scientifically sound practices that improve soil carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain operational profitability and resiliency.
Lead Partner: The University of Tennessee
Major Partners: Univ. of AR, KY, MO AL Cooperative Extension, Clemson Univ., NC State University, Purdue Univ., TN State Univ., Univ. of TN, VA State University, and VA Tech, Tyson Foods Inc., JBS, Corteva, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Ecosystem Services Marketing Consortium, American Forage & Grassland Council, National Grazing Lands Coalition, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, multiple state cattle associations, American and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federations, The Nature Conservancy, American Bird Conservancy, Monarch Joint Venture, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, TN Department of Agriculture, MO Department of Conservation, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Major Commodities: Beef, Small Ruminants, Dairy, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Quantifying the Potential to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increase Carbon Sequestration by Growing and Marketing Climate-Smart Commodities in the Southern Piedmont
Aimed at the southern piedmont vegetable farming community, this proposal will utilize an interdisciplinary system approach including farmer adoption, understanding economic/social barriers, market/consumer buy-in, utilizing technology, and easing the burden on farmers. The results of the project will build climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increases carbon sequestration, and increase farmer economic opportunities and adoption of climate-smart agriculture. The Project will use COMET-Planner for farmers to evaluate soil GHG emissions and C-sequestration potentials on their farms. The project will also cross-validate Farm2Facts with COMET-Planner to ensure farmers are obtaining the highest level of data. The project will use farmers markets throughout the Southern Piedmont as vehicles to market CS vegetables, increase consumer and farmer buy-in, track CS commodities from producer to consumer, and learn about ways to influence consumer
behavior toward purchasing more CS commodities. Estimating that each participating farmer will receive cash incentives to implement climate-smart practices across the five years mostly to underserved and disadvantaged Southern Piedmont farmers.Leading Partner: Rodale Institute
Other Major Partners: University of Georgia*, Virginia Association for Biological Farming*, Georgia Organics*,**, Emory University*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Tennessee*,**, Clemson University*, North Carolina State University*, University of Wisconsin - Madison*,**, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University*, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Connect Group, LLC*
Primary States Expected: GA, NC, PA, SC, VA
Major Commodities: Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- North Dakota
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet ND (PDF, 303 KB)
Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000
Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities
This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate-Smart Specialty Grains and Oilseeds: Covering America from Coast to Coast
This project increases on-farm crop rotations via a holistic management soil health protocol that results in identity preserved specialty grains and oilseeds, as well as a new category of climate-smart cover crop seed. The climate-smart specialty grains and oilseeds project will encourage farmers in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest to raise climate-smart oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina and develop related climate-smart markets. Project plans to provide technical assistance and direct financial climate-smart practice incentive payments or producer premiums for CS commodities. Partners plan to provide each underserved or small-scale producer participant a whole farm analysis enrolling more of their acres in working land conservation programs. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to quantify GHG benefits from both the contract specialty grain and oilseed fields and the resulting cover crops planted from their production. This project plans to grow five specialty crops (oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina) in a comprehensive climate-smart manner. Millborn Seeds plans to connect cover crop seed users. A target of 25% of total acres each year are planned to be reserved for underserved or small producers, ensuring that at least 25% of the incentive payments for the per bushel premium will go to these two producer groups. Additionally, an underserved rate is planned to be used for cover crop or perennial forage planting adoption, and technical assistance is planned to be provided to all participants on an individual basis. Each underserved or small producer are planned to receive a whole farm analysis from AgSpire on how more of their acres could participate in additional working lands conservation programs, beyond the enrolled acres in this project.
Lead Partner: Millborn Seeds, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: AgSpire*, EarthOptics*, High Plains Biochar, Biochar Co-Op, Value Added Agriculture Development Center, Grain Millers Inc., Iowa Cover Crop
Primary States Expected: IA,MN,MT,NE,ND,SD,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Oats, Rye, Flax, Buckwheat, Camelina, Specialty Grain, Oilseed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000
Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) Partnership: Supporting Agricultural Producers at All Scales to Deliver Productivity, Market Opportunities, and Enhanced Soil, Water, and Climate Benefits--This project will build climate-smart markets for a variety of agricutural commodities and help to make adopting climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices more economically viable for producers by compensating them at a rate that guarantees and reasonable return, with a price floor that surpasses costs..
Lead Partner: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Major Partners: Rural Partnership to Protect the Environment (RIPE), Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, North Dakota Farmers Union, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Arkansas Rice Federation, Agricultural Council of Arkansas, Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Assoc., Natl. Assoc. of Conservation Districts, National Black Growers Council, Sustainable Food Lab, Environmental Initiative, and Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR)
Major Commodities: Corn, Rice, Beef, Pork, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
- Nebraska
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet NE (PDF, 304 KB)
Industrial Hemp for Fiber and Grain
This project aims to expand climate-smart markets and remedy lack of available data on environmentally beneficial practices for hemp production by providing open-accessible data and training and enabling monetization of climate-smart practices through a pilot designation in a digital marketplace. Additionally, this project develops an inclusive workforce that specializes in implementation of climate-smart practices by engaging underserved producers and financially supporting them as they learn these practices. Project plans to provide participating underserved producers an incentive payment, technical assistance, marketing assistance, and the revenue from the climate-smart hemp produced. Planned practices include cover crops and nutrient management.
Lead Partner: Iconoclast Industries, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Cedar Meadow Farm LLC*, University of Florida*, Stockton University*, Florida Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, SB Friedman Development Advisors, M4MM*, Canndigenous, EntreVation LLC, Legacy Farms Group, Delta Agriculture*, Auredia*, Validere*, Bravo Logistics, Highway Vodka
Primary States Expected: CO, FL, NE, NY, OK, PA, TX, VA, WI
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000
Iowa Tribe Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA) Innovation Pilot Program
The Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture Pilot Program plans to educate Native American participants on climate-smart practices, provide long lasting benefits to soil and water health through climate-smart practices, and expand markets for climate-smart commodities. The CERNA Project plans to provide each producer annual incentives and premium payments and a one-time financial assistance payment for the necessary education and training needed to implement climate-smart practices. Additionally, CERNA plans to directly support farmers by purchasing 100 percent of all eligible climate-smart commodities produced under this project, which would hold the “Regenified” label under premium contracts.
Lead Partner: Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Other Major Partners: Terramera, Regenified, Understanding Ag, Soil Health Academy, John Deere Director of Emerging Technology, Taste Profit Marketing, Oatly, Cooks Ventures, Global Processing, Bratney, Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri, Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Grey Snow Management Solutions, The Akana Group, The Intertribal Ag Council
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,700
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.
Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate-Smart Specialty Grains and Oilseeds: Covering America from Coast to Coast
This project increases on-farm crop rotations via a holistic management soil health protocol that results in identity preserved specialty grains and oilseeds, as well as a new category of climate-smart cover crop seed. The climate-smart specialty grains and oilseeds project will encourage farmers in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest to raise climate-smart oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina and develop related climate-smart markets. Project plans to provide technical assistance and direct financial climate-smart practice incentive payments or producer premiums for CS commodities. Partners plan to provide each underserved or small-scale producer participant a whole farm analysis enrolling more of their acres in working land conservation programs. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to quantify GHG benefits from both the contract specialty grain and oilseed fields and the resulting cover crops planted from their production. This project plans to grow five specialty crops (oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina) in a comprehensive climate-smart manner. Millborn Seeds plans to connect cover crop seed users. A target of 25% of total acres each year are planned to be reserved for underserved or small producers, ensuring that at least 25% of the incentive payments for the per bushel premium will go to these two producer groups. Additionally, an underserved rate is planned to be used for cover crop or perennial forage planting adoption, and technical assistance is planned to be provided to all participants on an individual basis. Each underserved or small producer are planned to receive a whole farm analysis from AgSpire on how more of their acres could participate in additional working lands conservation programs, beyond the enrolled acres in this project.
Lead Partner: Millborn Seeds, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: AgSpire*, EarthOptics*, High Plains Biochar, Biochar Co-Op, Value Added Agriculture Development Center, Grain Millers Inc., Iowa Cover Crop
Primary States Expected: IA,MN,MT,NE,ND,SD,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Oats, Rye, Flax, Buckwheat, Camelina, Specialty Grain, Oilseed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Reducing GHG Emissions and Improving Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential through High-Carbon Soil Amendment
This pilot project will support expansion of climate-smart markets and implementation of climate-smart practices to augment conservation Best Management Practices and generate reference data to support development of regionally optimized ecosystem services models. The geographic focus of this project (CO, NE, WY, MT) has naturally low basal soil organic carbon, which means greater sequestration potential. Western Sugar Cooperative will use its close ties to the farmer and access to extensive production records to conduct high-level impact modeling using COMET to educate growers and build momentum for broad participation in an ecosystem services exchange. This project focuses on creating new value for Climate-Smart Sugar. Sugar users desire sustainable sugar. Fulfillment of most sugar user’s quantitative corporate sustainability goals relies heavily on domestic farmers. Currently, impact tracking is taxing for farmers, has high degrees of uncertainty, and likely results in double counting within the value chain. Using the cooperative structure to co-market ecosystem services will create competition for these valuable GHG benefits by allowing the farmers to fulfill a greater diversity of demand (e.g., CPGs, retailers, off-sets, public, etc.) and eventually spur incentives from the users of the Climate-Smart sugar. Farmers meeting the USDA definition of historically underserved are planned to receive 125% of the incentive with a 150% incentive for any implementation on Crow Tribe cropland: two-thirds to the farmer and one-third to the landowner.
Lead Partner: The Western Sugar Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Crow Tribe, Panhandle Research and Extension Center at the University of Nebraska*,**; Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion at University of Wyoming**; Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center; Colorado State University*
Primary States Expected: CO, MT, NE, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sugar beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $6,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The GEVO Climate-Smart Farm-to-Flight Program--The project aims to create critical structural market incentives for low carbon-intensity (CI) corn as well as to accelerate the production of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce the sector’s dependency on fossil-based fuel. This project includes an immediate market opportunity to sell climate-smart, low-climate-impact corn.
Lead Partner: Gevo, Inc.
Major Partners: Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC, Google, Farmers Edge, EarthOptics, South Dakota State University, Regen Ag Labs, Yard Stick, Double H Ag Services, Farmers Edge, AgSpire, PrairieFood, Stine Seed Farm, Holganix, Trace Genomics, MidState Agronomy, Double H Ag Services, Colorado State University, Iowa State University, Standing Rock (SAGE) Renewable Energy Power Authority
Major Commodities: Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
- New Hampshire
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet NH (PDF, 303 KB)
Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities
This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000New England Climate-Smart Forest Partnership Project
This project will implement forest management practices with large commercial producers and smaller woodlot and Tribal owners to store more carbon in the forest, quantify the resulting carbon gains, and build markets for climate-smart forest products to store carbon in wood products and substitute wood products for fossil fuel-based materials. The project aims to include Climate-smart forestry practices like reduced impact logging, timber stand improvement thinning, maintaining legacy trees and brown ash as a component of New England’s forest, as well as maintain cultural integrity and economy of First Nations. This project plans to utilize the monitoring and verification program created by AFF and TNC for the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) that provides a sophisticated methodology for determining carbon stocking and can differentiate between areas treated with practices and the surrounding landscape. The program plans to advance markets for climate-smart forest products with a focus on high-value wood in the mass timber sector. The project plans to engage affordable housing agencies across the region in utilizing mass timber construction. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production.
Lead Partner: New England Forestry Foundation**
Other Major Partners: Seven Islands, Weyerhauser, Wagner Woodlands, Baskahegan, Robbins Lumber, Pasamoquoddy Forestry Dept, UMaine*,**, Nature Conservancy, Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership, Mass Tree Farm Program, Hull Forestlands, Heyes Family Forests, Trust to Conserve Northeast forestlands*,**, American Forest Foundation*,**, Spatial informatic group*, Innov. Natural Res. Solutions*, Spritios Properties, LLC*,**, Leers Weinzapfel Assoc*,**, Quantified Ventures*,**, Woodworks*, Forest Stewards Guild, Mas Audobon, Our climate common, Highstead Foundation, Mass Forest Alliance, CT Forest & Park Assoc, Appalach. Mtn Club. Mass Woodlands Institute,Tom Walker*, John Hagen*, Daigneault Consulting*
Primary States Expected: ME, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
- New Jersey
-
Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet NJ (PDF, 304 KB)
Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Building Markets and Resiliency: Addressing Climate and Food Access with Northern NJ Livestock Farmers
This project would offer technical assistance and financial cost-share incentives to livestock producers to implement priority climate-smart practices, with higher cost-shares available to underserved producers. This project would provide increased business opportunities for underserved and small farmers to be competitive in purchasing land in a market dominated by corporate sprawl and development pressure. The plan for developing and expanding markets for climate-smart commodities through this project involves the development of a climate-friendly farm certification, a consumer marketing campaign, and the expansion of equitable food access.Lead Partner: North Jersey RC&D Area, Inc
Other Major Partners: Foodshed Alliance, NJ Audubon (NJA), CLA Consultants, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)
Major Commodities: Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,574,000
Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities
This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Improving Forest Carbon Sequestration and Storage by Establishing Supply Chains for Low-Quality Wood Material and Incentivizing Sustainable Forestry Practices
This project pilots an incentives program to advance sustainable climate-smart forest management and create additional low-quality climate-smart wood market supply chains. Nearly every participant would be small scale or underserved, who would receive direct payments for retaining larger and higher quality trees. The project's partners would market the resulting climate-smart commodities, leveraging their well-established working relationships with buyers who require the low-quality wood material.
Lead Partner: AMRO United Corporation
Other Major Partners: LBS Ecological, Green Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services, Future Forest Management, Craver Logging, Welch Logging, Sawtooth Forestry
Major Commodities: Wood products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,800,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks. DeLong (& 3rd party auditor) plan to verify practice implementation using documentation and select field visits. COMET-Farm or Granular Insights system will be used to estimate GHG benefits. The project plans to create global awareness and consumer preference for CSCs through existing buyer relationships creating CSC labeling for use on consumer goods. Project partners plan to play an active role in education, outreach, and inclusion of small and underserved producers, who will also receive an additional incentive on top of the climate smart practice incentive.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy*,**, Western New York Energy, Ingredion*,**, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company)*,**, Agris (Greenstone)*, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council*,**, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative*, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute*, Practical Farmers of Iowa*,**
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
- New Mexico
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet NM (PDF, 303 KB)
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Northern New Mexico Hub of the Western Working Lands Climate-Smart Network
The Northern NM Climate-Smart Working Lands Hub plans to empower New Mexico Latino and underserved beef and pork producers and their trusted partners to collectively develop, implement, monitor, quantify and broker climate-smart livestock projects. Participants would benefit from reduced transaction costs and retaining more value of their goods and services in local communities. Through partnerships, the project would provide expertise on data collection and analysis and provide highly skilled sampling teams. The project would provide participants culturally-relevant technical assistance and assistance with entering and navigating the ecosystem service marketplace.
Lead Partner: Western Landowners Alliance
Other Major Partners: Working Lands Conservation, National Latinos Farmers and Ranchers
Primary States Expected: NM
Major Commodities: beef; pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,800
Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.
Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Southwest Hub of the Western Working Lands Climate-Smart Network
The Southwest Climate-Smart Working Lands Hub plans to empower Southwest tribal beef and pork producers and their trusted partners to collectively develop, implement, monitor, quantify and broker climate-smart livestock projects. Participants would benefit from reduced transaction costs and retaining more value of their goods and services in local communities. Through partnerships, the project would provide expertise on data collection and analysis and provide highly skilled sampling teams. The project would provide participants culturally-relevant technical assistance and assistance with entering and navigating the ecosystem service marketplace.
Lead Partner: Western Landowners Alliance
Other Major Partners: Working Lands Conservation, Indian Nations Conservation Alliance
Major Commodities: beef; pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,997,900
Waste to Plate: Building Circular Economies and Shorter Supply Chains for Livestock Reared on Regenerating Dryland Range with Organic Amendments
Quivira Coalition and partners plans to work with project participants to produce biochar and compost and them on degraded rangeland to enhance ecological function, carbon sequestration, and forage production Each producer would receive a stipend to support their time towards producing, deploying, monitoring, and communicating with technical support providers, host fees to support the workshop, and supplies. This project would provide direct technical support to help producers finish animals on grass, optimize carcasses for their particular customer base, and build the tools, such as an online shopping cart or a social media presence, for region-based marketing.
Lead Partner: Quivira Coalition
Other Major Partners: Reunity Resources, Trollworks, Wilson Biocha, Southwest Grassfed Livestock Alliance, Good Meat Project, Polk’s Folly Farm, Kathryn Bedell, Creighton Robinson, Dixon Water Foundation, Weaver Ranch, Colorado State University, Dixon Water Foundation; Trilogy Beef Community; Roan Creck Ranch
Major Commodities: Grassfed beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,536,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West
This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to verify GHG benefits. In addition, Colorado State University will study impact and adoption of climate-smart soil health practices. The project plans to use a STAR Rating System to market & receive premium for climate-smart products. Branding opportunities for STAR related products will be used. The project plans to support multiple underserved producers with financial assistance. To ensure equitable administration that includes small / underserved producers, improved understanding and awareness of climate-smart commodities among small and underserved producers, expand their access to participation and reduce market entry risk, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) and others to help guide recruitment and peer to peer learning.
Lead Partner: Colorado Department of Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District*, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts & Conservation Districts in other states*,**, Colorado Open Lands*, Colorado State University*, National Center for Appropriate Technology*, Sangre de Cristo Association of Acequias, Univ. of Idaho, Montana State Univ., New Mexico State Univ., Utah State University, Univ. of Wyoming, Audubon Society, Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, Acres USA, Quivira Coalition, Yardstick, Zero Foodprint, Bob’s Red Mill, Quinn Snacks, Groundup Consulting*,
Primary States Expected: CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WA, WY
Major Commodities: Beef, Corn, Grains
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000National Sorghum Producers Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will implement climate-smart production practices across hundreds of thousands of acres of sorghum working lands, with the goal of reducing hundreds of millions of pounds of carbon emissions and developing markets for sorghum as a climate-smart commodity. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in an established and proprietary EcoPractices platform, a platform currently used by Nestlé and Danone to track and monitor climate-smart practices implemented by other commodity farmers in select and limited areas of their supply chains. Furthermore, GHG benefits beyond the farmgate plan to be quantified using the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) model. In addition to farm-level monitoring of practices using the EcoPractices platform, the project plans to engage Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU; Texas Tech University, an HSI; Texas A&M University, an HSI; and Kansas State University to execute a technical program aimed at quantifying the value of emissions reductions associated with irrigation water use reduction and nitrate leaching, volatilization and runoff mitigation techniques. The project plans to collaborate with sorghum producers to take advantage of added value, primarily in the California fuel market with climate-smart sorghum being sold to ethanol companies for use in ethanol production, resulting in low carbon fuel credits for fuel purchasers and an incremental market premium for sorghum producers. The project plans for a minimum percentage of this project’s budgeted funds and technical assistance for small and historically underserved sorghum producers/landowners. Partners will conduct outreach to Black, woman, and Native farmers specifically.
Lead Partner: National Sorghum Producers Association**
Other Major Partners: KS Black Farmers Assoc.; Peoria Tribe of Indians of OK; KS AgriWomen; Women Managing the Farm; CO, KS, NM, OK & TX Sorghum Assocs; United Sorghum Checkoff, Prairie View A&M*, CO State, TX Tech*, TX A&M*, KS State* and OK State Univ.; NM & KS Depts of Agriculture; Field to Market; RIPE; Trust in Food™; Natl. Cotton Council; Amer. Coalit. for Ethanol; KS Water, Pheasants/Quail Forever*; Salk Institute; Danforth Center*; Galvanize Clim. Solut.; Arable*; Argonne Natl Lab; Sust Envir Consult*; ServiTech*,**; Danone; Kashi; Bayer Crop Sci; ADM; Conestoga Energy; KS Ethanol; Pratt, West Plains & Energy; Nu Life Market; CoBank; & High Plains Farm Credit; Northrup.ag*,**, Pinion*, White Energy, Carbon A List*, Sero Ag. Strategies*
Primary States Expected: CO, KS, NM, OK, TX, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $65,000,000Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- Nevada
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet NV (PDF, 301 KB)
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West
This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to verify GHG benefits. In addition, Colorado State University will study impact and adoption of climate-smart soil health practices. The project plans to use a STAR Rating System to market & receive premium for climate-smart products. Branding opportunities for STAR related products will be used. The project plans to support multiple underserved producers with financial assistance. To ensure equitable administration that includes small / underserved producers, improved understanding and awareness of climate-smart commodities among small and underserved producers, expand their access to participation and reduce market entry risk, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) and others to help guide recruitment and peer to peer learning.
Lead Partner: Colorado Department of Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District*, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts & Conservation Districts in other states*,**, Colorado Open Lands*, Colorado State University*, National Center for Appropriate Technology*, Sangre de Cristo Association of Acequias, Univ. of Idaho, Montana State Univ., New Mexico State Univ., Utah State University, Univ. of Wyoming, Audubon Society, Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, Acres USA, Quivira Coalition, Yardstick, Zero Foodprint, Bob’s Red Mill, Quinn Snacks, Groundup Consulting*,
Primary States Expected: CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WA, WY
Major Commodities: Beef, Corn, Grains
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
- New York
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet NY (PDF, 306 KB)
Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities
This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Improving Forest Carbon Sequestration and Storage by Establishing Supply Chains for Low-Quality Wood Material and Incentivizing Sustainable Forestry Practices
This project pilots an incentives program to advance sustainable climate-smart forest management and create additional low-quality climate-smart wood market supply chains. Nearly every participant would be small scale or underserved, who would receive direct payments for retaining larger and higher quality trees. The project's partners would market the resulting climate-smart commodities, leveraging their well-established working relationships with buyers who require the low-quality wood material.
Lead Partner: AMRO United Corporation
Other Major Partners: LBS Ecological, Green Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services, Future Forest Management, Craver Logging, Welch Logging, Sawtooth Forestry
Major Commodities: Wood products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,800,000Increasing Farm Resource Efficiency by Utilizing On-Site Post-Production Food Byproducts into Innovative Fertilizers and Climate-Smart Commodities
Project participants would use innovative technology to convert crop residue into two high-value fertilizers for soil, foliar, or hydroponic use, and market resulting climate-smart commodities. Grower economic benefits include: premium pricing for carbon-smart commodities, reduced fertilizer costs, reduced water consumption and related costs, potential reduction in environmental regulatory compliance/fees (where applicable) and expanded marketing opportunities to Re-Nuble or local markets .
Lead Partner: Re-Nuble, Inc
Other Major Partners: Helianth Partners, IPM Institute, Purple Thumb Farm, Kreher Family Farms, Blake Farms, Uncle Jerry’s Farm
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,697,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Piloting Agroforestry in the Adirondack North Country: Producing Climate-Smart Commodities and Promoting Carbon Sequestration
This project plans to focus primarily on women-owned businesses and farming operations and develop a regional Adirondack climate-smart brand for marketing commodities as part of these systems. The project plans to support and monitor the climate benefits of three agroforestry practices: riparian buffers, cropland reforestation and silvopasture. Producers would receive technical assistance including tailored agroforestry plans and practice inputs such as tree seedling and shelters.
Lead Partner: Adirondack North Country Association
Other Major Partners: Interlace Agroforestry LLC, Mace Chasm Farm, North Country Creamery, Wild Work Farm, Sugar House Creamery, Barred Owl Brook Farm, Ananta Farm, Blue Pepper Farm, Fledging Crow Vegetables
Major Commodities: Timber, Dairy, Sheep, Nuts and Berries
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $560,000Climate Beneficial Fiber: Building New, Accessible, and Equitable Market Opportunities for Climate-Smart Cotton and Wool
This project will expand the existing Climate Beneficial™ fiber program: a system for sequestering carbon, regenerating soil health and resilience, improving social equity, and bolstering America's ability to produce climate-smart fiber. A newly created, open-source, Carbon Farm Planning and Verification Platform will streamline climate-smart agriculture planning and verification for producers, verifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The project plans to have a trained Planner monitor implementation, ensuring that practices are implemented in accordance with practice standard criteria linked to the COMET tools. A Portal database architecture is planned to allow for anticipated and realized GHG benefits to be queried by project, region, commodity, or dollar expended, allowing these data to be aggregated and analyzed at various scales. Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation.
Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation. This project aims to meet the equity goals of the Justice40 Initiative, directing at least 40% of project benefits to small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource, and women farmers, as well as producers growing specialty crops.
Lead Partner: National Center for Appropriate Technology, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Carbon Cycle Institute*,**, Colorado State University Dept of Soil and Crop Sciences*, Fibershed*,**, Seed 2 Shirt*,**, New York Textile Lab*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, GA, IN, MT, NC, NY, SD, TN, WY
Major Commodities: Sheep, Wool, Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000
Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Growing the Supply and Market for Climate-Smart Grass-Fed Organic Dairy via Maple Hill Creamery
This project will expand climate-smart markets for dairy producers and enable a network of partners and producers to implement climate-smart practices by incentivizing implementation and providing training support. This will lead to greater environmental practices and enhanced viability for farms that implement them. The project plans to provide participants incentives for Avoided Conversion, Pasture Scoring, Training and Voluntary participation. Marketing plans include updated branding materials like packaging, advertising, social media and a website. The project plans to utilize a combination of core tools: COMET, a Pasture Scorecard, on-farm soil sampling, and third-party soil health measurements. The monitoring, measurement, and reporting is planned to be led by a technical expert with third-party verification and soil is planned to be sampled utilizing the soil sampling framework developed by partners. The project plans to update all branding materials, including the website, packaging, advertising, and social media to draw attention to climate-smart farming efforts and CO2 impacts to draw and expand upon consumer desire to support Climate-Smart grass-fed organic products – milk for yogurt, butter, and kefir. The project provides a number of incentives, including Avoided Conversion Incentive payments, Voluntary Incentive payments, Pasture Scoring incentives and Training incentives.
Lead Partner: Maple Hill Creamery LLC
Other Major Partners: Dharma Lea, LLC*,**, Paul Harris Development, LLC*, Stone Barns*, Point Blue Conservation Science, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA)*, Open TEAM at Wolfe’s Neck Center, Shannon O'Sullivan, K&O Farm, James Young, Amber Waves, Spring Weather, Serenity Acres Farm, Evening Star Ranch, Reginelli and Aeschlimann, Adam Tafel, Periggo Farm, Whole Foods
Primary States Expected: NY
Major Commodities: Dairy, Specialty Grains, Oilseeds
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks. DeLong (& 3rd party auditor) plan to verify practice implementation using documentation and select field visits. COMET-Farm or Granular Insights system will be used to estimate GHG benefits. The project plans to create global awareness and consumer preference for CSCs through existing buyer relationships creating CSC labeling for use on consumer goods. Project partners plan to play an active role in education, outreach, and inclusion of small and underserved producers, who will also receive an additional incentive on top of the climate smart practice incentive.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy*,**, Western New York Energy, Ingredion*,**, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company)*,**, Agris (Greenstone)*, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council*,**, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative*, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute*, Practical Farmers of Iowa*,**
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Industrial Hemp for Fiber and Grain
This project aims to expand climate-smart markets and remedy lack of available data on environmentally beneficial practices for hemp production by providing open-accessible data and training and enabling monetization of climate-smart practices through a pilot designation in a digital marketplace. Additionally, this project develops an inclusive workforce that specializes in implementation of climate-smart practices by engaging underserved producers and financially supporting them as they learn these practices. Project plans to provide participating underserved producers an incentive payment, technical assistance, marketing assistance, and the revenue from the climate-smart hemp produced. Planned practices include cover crops and nutrient management.
Lead Partner: Iconoclast Industries, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Cedar Meadow Farm LLC*, University of Florida*, Stockton University*, Florida Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, SB Friedman Development Advisors, M4MM*, Canndigenous, EntreVation LLC, Legacy Farms Group, Delta Agriculture*, Auredia*, Validere*, Bravo Logistics, Highway Vodka
Primary States Expected: CO, FL, NE, NY, OK, PA, TX, VA, WI
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000NYS Connects: Climate-Smart Farms and Forests
Utilizing behavioral systems approach to break through social norms/barriers, this project will build on strong existing partnerships in the conservation and agricultural communities in NY state to expand climate-smart markets. This project will fund ag producers/forest landowners to implement multiple climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, utilize modern tools to quantify results of climate-smart agriculture, and build connections between landowners and companies with a demand for climate- smart commodities. COMET-Planner is planned to be used to assess each climate-smart practice in the project. For key practices, including the pilot practice areas in methane mitigation, enhanced weathering and agroforestry, the project plans to use International Panel on Climate Change methods, empirical data collection by Cornell University and Soil and Water Conservation District staff, and other tools. Utilizing existing data, along with new data collected from implemented climate-smart practices during the project period, a new decision support tool will be created to more accurately assess carbon sequestration for farmland and GHG mitigation as a result of implemented practices. The Ecological Platform for Assimilation of Data (EcoPAD) platform, developed and scientifically validated over the past two decades and deployed primarily for research in C cycling, will be further developed to allow New York State to use the system to determine the best incentive practices that balance economic activities with GHG emissions mitigation and C sequestration. Blockchain Technology will be part of the mechanism to track carbon through supply chain ecosystem. A pilot project will be developed for New York’s building sector to help transition to low carbon construction materials. A New York State Climate-Smart Commodities Label ecosystem will be created. The New York Climate-Smart label would track & promote climate-smart commodities through the value chain by commodity type to the final product. The project plans to engage directly with underserved and socially disadvantaged producers through an extensive network of service providers including the Cornell Small Farmers Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension Specialists and Soil & Water Conservation Districts, planning to reach at least 200 small and underserved producers with financial incentives. The project plans to give participants the option to have cost-share paid directly to the contractor to help overcome financial barriers to practice implementation associated with upfront funding needs.
Lead Partner: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation**
Other Major Partners: Dept. of Agriculture and Markets*,**, Energy Research & Development Authority & Soil and Water Conservation Committee, Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences*, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry*, Syracuse University*, County Soil and Water Conservation Districts*, Evidn*, Michigan State University*, Mercy Works*, Cornell Small Farms Equitable Farm Futures Initiative & Veterans FarmOps program, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY urban ag team, International Refugee Committee NY, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanic Garden, Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, SCRE Design*, Innsure*
Primary States Expected: NY
Major Commodities: Dairy, Livestock, Field Crops, Fruits, Vegetables, Specialty Crops, Forestry
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
- Ohio
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet OH (PDF, 304 KB)
Building Whole-Farm Designs and Market Infrastructure to Provide Premiums for Climate-Smart Farming among Mid-Sized Agricultural Enterprises in the Ohio River Valley
This project plans to model and develop whole-farm carbon sequestration systems geared towards mid-sized polyculture farms that produce crops and beef. Farmers would receive a sign-up incentive, free technical assistance, and cost-share to implement climate-smart practices. Partners would include African-American food system organizers who would ensure engagement with minority, unrepresented, and socially disadvantaged growers. Partners would offer a Climate-Smart Beef product line to current retail and wholesale customers and provide avenues for grain producers to market and sell their products.
Lead Partner: Mt. Folly Enterprises Inc
Other Major Partners: Mt. Folly Farm, flagship farm, Eastern Kentucky University, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Rich Earth Grains LLC, Riverside Meats, Scott Shouse, Sourwood Forestry Consulting, Ale-8-1 Bottling Company, Skip Johnson, Doug Gurian-Sherman
Major Commodities: beef, corn, soy, wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000
Climate-Smart Organic Egg Project
This project would work with underserved, Amish and Mennonite producers to expand organic pasture-raised egg farming, inspire and educate consumers, and grow the demand for and expand the market for climate-smart egg products. Regenerative practices include manure and nutrient management, pasture enhancements, tree and shrub establishment and cover crops. Handsome Brook Farms plans to work with partners and retailers to develop labeling and sales opportunities to promote climate-smart organic pasture-raised eggs, a new climate-smart U.S. niche market.
Lead Partner: Handsome Brook Farms, LLC
Other Major Partners: Handsome Brook Farms, Costco Inc, Organic Voices, Grow Well Consulting, Curva and Associates LLC, University of Kentucky, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, NY Stern Center for sustainable business, Robinia Institute, Love Just Works LLC
Major Commodities: Poultry (Eggs)
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,600,000
Developing Climate-Smart Agriculture and Markets Amongst Socially-Disadvantaged, Limited-Resource, and Urban Farmers in Ohio and Michigan
This project would combine monitoring, outreach, and technical support to foster the adoption of climate-smart practices by minority vegetable and beef cattle farmers socially disadvantaged and limited resource farmers of Ohio and southern Michigan. It also creates synergy between climate-smart feedlot operations and socially disadvantaged farmers. Project partners plan to recruit minority vegetable and beef cattle farmers and selected Central State University students who would receive additional training on climate-smart agriculture. Small-scale and urban vegetable farmers enrolled in this project would receive funds to cover part of their operating costs.
Lead Partner: Central State University
Other Major Partners: Ohio State University, A & B Porteus, Southeast Michigan Producers Association (SEMPA), Wilmington College
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000
Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Building Soil, Building Equity: Accelerating a Regenerative Farming Movement in Appalachia and the Southeast
This project seeks to build climate-smart markets and sequester carbon over thousands of acres of Appalachian and rural southeastern land through strategic recruitment from networks of producers. The project will use education, outreach, technical assistance, and incentivizing producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts.
Lead Partner: Accelerating Appalachia
Other Major Partners: National Center for Appropriate Technologies*, Kentucky State University*,**, Working Trees from Stanford University’s TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy*, Carbon Harvest*,GRC Advising*,**, Latin Talent Accelerator*
Primary States Expected: GA, KY, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Row Crops, Beef, Pork, Cotton, Wool & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000
Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks. DeLong (& 3rd party auditor) plan to verify practice implementation using documentation and select field visits. COMET-Farm or Granular Insights system will be used to estimate GHG benefits. The project plans to create global awareness and consumer preference for CSCs through existing buyer relationships creating CSC labeling for use on consumer goods. Project partners plan to play an active role in education, outreach, and inclusion of small and underserved producers, who will also receive an additional incentive on top of the climate smart practice incentive.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy*,**, Western New York Energy, Ingredion*,**, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company)*,**, Agris (Greenstone)*, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council*,**, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative*, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute*, Practical Farmers of Iowa*,**
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet OK (PDF, 303 KB)
Industrial Hemp for Fiber and Grain
This project aims to expand climate-smart markets and remedy lack of available data on environmentally beneficial practices for hemp production by providing open-accessible data and training and enabling monetization of climate-smart practices through a pilot designation in a digital marketplace. Additionally, this project develops an inclusive workforce that specializes in implementation of climate-smart practices by engaging underserved producers and financially supporting them as they learn these practices. Project plans to provide participating underserved producers an incentive payment, technical assistance, marketing assistance, and the revenue from the climate-smart hemp produced. Planned practices include cover crops and nutrient management.
Lead Partner: Iconoclast Industries, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Cedar Meadow Farm LLC*, University of Florida*, Stockton University*, Florida Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, SB Friedman Development Advisors, M4MM*, Canndigenous, EntreVation LLC, Legacy Farms Group, Delta Agriculture*, Auredia*, Validere*, Bravo Logistics, Highway Vodka
Primary States Expected: CO, FL, NE, NY, OK, PA, TX, VA, WI
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000BEACON Pilot: Farmers Guiding Farmers Towards Climate Smart Agriculture
This project plans to advance equity by minimizing transaction costs and addressing cultural dynamics for Black and indigenous producers by using a farmer-to-farmer collaborative training approach. Farmers would define culturally appropriate product labels, and partners would work to increase market access, specifically through marketing the value-add of using climate-smart practices like cover crops, no-till, tree planting and prescribed grazing.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, the Tallahassee Food Network, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Organic Farmers Association, Women Food and Agriculture Network, the Earth’s Garden Network
Major Commodities: Specialty and organic crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000
Climate-Smart Chicken and Feed: Scaling Climate-Smart Grain and Poultry Commodity Production as a System-Level Climate Solution for the Midwest
This project would support poultry producers who follow diversified regenerative climate-smart grain production methods incorporating small grains, no-till, and cover crops, integrated agroforestry practices. Producers may receive payments to adopt a climate-smart grain rotation for at least three years and for Organic climate-smart chicken production. Producers would receive a premium price for chickens, paid by Tree-Range Farms. Multiple strategic partners including tribal nations, immigrant-serving organizations, and other community partners plan to promote the project with underserved producers
Lead Partner: Regeneration International/Regenerative Agriculture Alliance
Other Major Partners: Regenerative Agriculture Alliance (RAA); Freshwater Society; Minnesota State University Mankato; Carleton College; Tree-Range® Farms; Makoce Agriculture Development, Oatly, Regenerative Agriculture Solutions, General Mills, Latino Economic Development Center
Major Commodities: Poultry, small grain, oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900
Climate-Smart Commodities and Market Development within the Chickasaw Nation: Restoring Power to Small Farmers and Communities Through Pecan and Specialty Crop Engagement
Participating farmers would receive incentives for climate-smart practices, including reducing chemical applications on pecan trees and conversion of pastures to multiple species of native grasses. Through this project, the Chickasaw Nation plans to work with native pecan aggregators to divide verified climate-smart native pecans from non-verified native pecans. These pecans would be sourced to sale for any industry interested in climate-smart pecans and to local consumers.
Lead Partner: Chickasaw Nation
Other Major Partners: Murray State College, Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association, Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Major Commodities: Pecans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,977,000
Improving Access to Grazing Resources for Native American Farmers and Ranchers
Native American farmers and ranchers would receive technical assistance and education, and at least $1 million in direct payments to support the adoption of climate-smart practices like rotational grazing and planting of native grasses. Partners plan to assist participants with validating greenhouse gas emission reductions and marketing climate-smart commodities, including creating marketable emission offsets or credits.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal Agricultural Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farm Journal Foundation, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, and the Yield Lab Institute
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,925,000
Iowa Tribe Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA) Innovation Pilot Program
The Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture Pilot Program plans to educate Native American participants on climate-smart practices, provide long lasting benefits to soil and water health through climate-smart practices, and expand markets for climate-smart commodities. The CERNA Project plans to provide each producer annual incentives and premium payments and a one-time financial assistance payment for the necessary education and training needed to implement climate-smart practices. Additionally, CERNA plans to directly support farmers by purchasing 100 percent of all eligible climate-smart commodities produced under this project, which would hold the “Regenified” label under premium contracts.
Lead Partner: Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Other Major Partners: Terramera, Regenified, Understanding Ag, Soil Health Academy, John Deere Director of Emerging Technology, Taste Profit Marketing, Oatly, Cooks Ventures, Global Processing, Bratney, Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri, Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Grey Snow Management Solutions, The Akana Group, The Intertribal Ag Council
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,700
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000The Building Climate Success by Empowering Humans to Care for our Natural Resources
Through this project, tribal and other underserved producers would receive financial assistance for adopting climate-smart practices for livestock and pecan production in Oklahoma. Project partners plan to create tools and partnerships for enrollees to market climate-smart products, including the creation of a climate-smart marketing class session and other resources.
Lead Partner: Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts Incorporated
Other Major Partners: Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD), the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC), the Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project (OBHRPI), the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Conservation District, the Choctaw Nation Conservation District, and the Oklahoma Department of Forestry
Major Commodities: Pecans, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000
Southwest Hub of the Western Working Lands Climate-Smart Network
The Southwest Climate-Smart Working Lands Hub plans to empower Southwest tribal beef and pork producers and their trusted partners to collectively develop, implement, monitor, quantify and broker climate-smart livestock projects. Participants would benefit from reduced transaction costs and retaining more value of their goods and services in local communities. Through partnerships, the project would provide expertise on data collection and analysis and provide highly skilled sampling teams. The project would provide participants culturally-relevant technical assistance and assistance with entering and navigating the ecosystem service marketplace.
Lead Partner: Western Landowners Alliance
Other Major Partners: Working Lands Conservation, Indian Nations Conservation Alliance
Major Commodities: beef; pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,997,900ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-Smart Camelina --This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Major Commodities: Camelina
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Demonstration, Expansion, and Quantification of the Benefits of a Climate Smart Commodity: Verified Regenerative Bison Products--The project will develop a demonstration program on tribal lands, implementing and expanding multiple climate-smart practices in production of American bison, and will showcase the benefits of regenerative bison production to rangeland, ranchers, and climate. It will also create a new entity to maintain standards of regenerative bison production, track climate benefits and payment for those benefits through the supply chain, establish consumer trust.
Lead Partner: Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
Major Partners: Frasier Bison LLC, the Earthshot Institute, Mad Agriculture, Eastern Shoshone Tribal Buffalo Program, Intertribal Buffalo Council
Major Commodities: Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000National Sorghum Producers Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will implement climate-smart production practices across hundreds of thousands of acres of sorghum working lands, with the goal of reducing hundreds of millions of pounds of carbon emissions and developing markets for sorghum as a climate-smart commodity. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in an established and proprietary EcoPractices platform, a platform currently used by Nestlé and Danone to track and monitor climate-smart practices implemented by other commodity farmers in select and limited areas of their supply chains. Furthermore, GHG benefits beyond the farmgate plan to be quantified using the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) model. In addition to farm-level monitoring of practices using the EcoPractices platform, the project plans to engage Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU; Texas Tech University, an HSI; Texas A&M University, an HSI; and Kansas State University to execute a technical program aimed at quantifying the value of emissions reductions associated with irrigation water use reduction and nitrate leaching, volatilization and runoff mitigation techniques. The project plans to collaborate with sorghum producers to take advantage of added value, primarily in the California fuel market with climate-smart sorghum being sold to ethanol companies for use in ethanol production, resulting in low carbon fuel credits for fuel purchasers and an incremental market premium for sorghum producers. The project plans for a minimum percentage of this project’s budgeted funds and technical assistance for small and historically underserved sorghum producers/landowners. Partners will conduct outreach to Black, woman, and Native farmers specifically.
Lead Partner: National Sorghum Producers Association**
Other Major Partners: KS Black Farmers Assoc.; Peoria Tribe of Indians of OK; KS AgriWomen; Women Managing the Farm; CO, KS, NM, OK & TX Sorghum Assocs; United Sorghum Checkoff, Prairie View A&M*, CO State, TX Tech*, TX A&M*, KS State* and OK State Univ.; NM & KS Depts of Agriculture; Field to Market; RIPE; Trust in Food™; Natl. Cotton Council; Amer. Coalit. for Ethanol; KS Water, Pheasants/Quail Forever*; Salk Institute; Danforth Center*; Galvanize Clim. Solut.; Arable*; Argonne Natl Lab; Sust Envir Consult*; ServiTech*,**; Danone; Kashi; Bayer Crop Sci; ADM; Conestoga Energy; KS Ethanol; Pratt, West Plains & Energy; Nu Life Market; CoBank; & High Plains Farm Credit; Northrup.ag*,**, Pinion*, White Energy, Carbon A List*, Sero Ag. Strategies*
Primary States Expected: CO, KS, NM, OK, TX, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $65,000,000
Producer Led Collaborative Effort to Fundamentally Transition the U.S. Beef Supply Chain to Carbon Neutral--This eight-state project will amplify production of climate-smart beef by expanding market drivers, grassroots support networks, and early adopter mentors and providing technical assistance for the adoption of Climate-smart grazing practices to substantially reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. The project will also support farmers in protecting their land through permanent easements to help ensure that the soil health and climate benefits from those practices continue far into the future.
Lead Partner: American Farmland Trust
Major Partners: American Farmland Trust, The Integrity Beef Alliance, Indigo Ag, AgriWebb, Freedmen Heirs Foundation, Earth Optics, Regenified, OpenTEAM, U.S. Biochar Initiative, Virginia Forage and Grasslands Council, Maryland Grazers Network, Pennsylvania Grazing Lands Coalition, Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, Black Family Land Trust, Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont, and Farmer Veteran Coalition
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Scaling Up the Industrial Hemp Supply Chain as Carbon Negative Feedstock for Fuel and Fiber
This project will help with commercializing and marketing climate-smart hemp crops while driving soil carbon sequestration and climate resilience. The project aims to provide effective valuation and monetization of environmental services, including carbon dioxide removal via implementation of new genetics and management practices to increase sustainability of hemp as an annual crop in the U.S. The project plans to support small-scale, minority and other underserved farmers by paying producer license fees, incentives and seed costs. Partners are planning Climate-Smart marketing and technical feasibility studies. Leaf and soil samples will be collected from farm sites. The project plans to use data collection to verify satisfactory model performance of various computer simulation models used to manage natural resources [e.g., COMET-Farm, DayCent, The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and The Agricultural Policy / Environmental eXtender (APEX)]. Marketing feasibility studies and technical feasibility studies are planned to be conducted during the Climate Smart grant study to determine the scale and location of the plants.The project plans to pre-contract and identity preserve crops. The project plans to support small and minority and underrepresented farmers by paying producer license fees, incentives and seed costs.
Lead Partner: Lincoln University
Other Major Partners: National Hemp Association, Kansas Farmers Union, Missouri Farmers Union*, Missouri Organic Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People*, Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Oklahoma Farmers Union, ShowMe State Hemp Association, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Donald Danforth Plant Science Research Center*, Oklahoma State University*, Prairie View A&M Univ.*, St. Louis Univ.*, Southeast Missouri State Univ., Univ. of Missouri*, Benchmark Design, Cquester Analytics, DTE Materials, HempWood, Midwest Natural Fiber*, New West Genetics*, REA Resource Recovery Systems, Rockwater, Renaissance Fiber, The GIC Group*
Primary States Expected: MO (and CO, OK, TX for test plots only)
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $5,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet OR (PDF, 303 KB)
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Incentivizing Woody Perennial Growers to Establish Cover Crops in Orchards in Four Diverse Regions of the United States
Through this project, producers with orchards would receive financial incentives and technical assistance to incorporate cover crops into their operations. Project partners plan to help market these climate-smart fruits and nuts in areas that typically have less access to fresh food. About one-third of the project participants would be smaller-sized operations and partners plan to work to include minority owned orchards
Lead Partner: Agoro Carbon Alliance US, Inc
Other Major Partners: Agoro Carbon Alliance, California Walnut Board and Commission, GO Seed, Padilla, FoodMinds
Major Commodities: Fruits and Nuts
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,800,000
Cover Crop Seed Production Grown with Climate-Smart Wheat
In partnership with Tribal leaders from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, this project would provide financial and technical support to Tribal farmers to grow cover crop seed into wheat fallow systems with adequate precipitation. GO Seed plans to purchase the climate-smart cover crop seed from participating farmers and sell it to distributors removing a financial barrier to producers that would otherwise reduce participation in growing cover crop seed. Markets would be cultivated and expanded through existing relationships with millers and exporters. All wheat marketed would have a “Climate-Smart Wheat” seal on the purchasing paperwork.
Lead Partner: Grassland Oregon
Other Major Partners: Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR); Intertribal Agriculture Council; Northwest Grain Growers; Agoro Carbon Alliance; Ace Connect LLC; Soil Health Institute; Oregon Wheat Commission, OR Wheat Grower’s League; Oregon Climate and Agriculture Network; Shoshone-Bannock Agri-Business Corp
Major Commodities: Wheat; cover crop seed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,722,000
Farmer Cooperative-Led, Partnership-Driven Project for Implementing Novel Perennial Cover Crop Species in Specialty Crop Systems and Integrating with Innovative MRV and Carbon Market
In this pilot project, producers would receive cost-share, technical assistance, capital investment and marketing support for using Oakville bluegrass cover crop in their commercial specialty crop operations. In addition to the creation and sale of carbon offsets, Oakville bluegrass plantings would give producers the opportunity to engage in climate-smart insetting, the practice of applying GHG offsets to one’s own supply chain. The project partner would seek further underserved producer membership through co-op director Nav Athwal’s network of over 200 Punjabi American producers.
Lead Partner: Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative, Columbia River Seed, Vitidore, Radix Evergreen, California State University Chico
Major Commodities: Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Production and Application of Biochar in Agricultural Practices at Small and Underserved Farms: Soil Enhancement, Carbon Sequestration, and promoting Climate-Smart Commodities
This project, led by minority serving university Florida A&M, plans to develop biochar-based climate-smart practices and technologies that may be implemented on farms, especially on underserved farms, and to market the resulting climate-smart commodities. In addition to free training and consulting, the producers are planned to receive a financial stimulus per acre of farmland used to implement climate-smart practices using biochar such as soil amendment, water infiltration and manure composting. Partner institutes and companies plan to contract with the landowners and producers to purchase some of the resulting commodities for research, product development, and food manufacturing purposes.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of California, Davis; Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability, Current foods, Florida Food Products, LLC., New North Florida Cooperative, California Almond Board, International Fresh Produce Association
Major Commodities: Legumes, leafy green vegetables, hemp, citrus
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,855,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Building the Climate-Smart Wood Economy
This project brings together Tribal, small family forest, and nonprofit wood producers with data scientists and the design and construction industry to manage and restore tens of thousands of acres in Oregon. The project will quantify the positive impacts of climate-smart management on carbon sequestration, wildfire intensity, and cultural values, and will also build resources for project teams to navigate climate-smart markets for wood procurement through pre-design, design, and construction phases and support sale. Carbon impacts of climate-smart timber purchasing is planned to be estimated by comparing the difference in carbon intensity for participating landowners against regional benchmarks of the carbon intensity of commodity timber production from industrial forestlands. Forest biomass and carbon stocks are planned to be measured using satellite imagery. A simple user-friendly web application is also planned to be scoped and developed to deliver carbon impact metrics per unit of roundwood which can then be converted into carbon impacts for specific end-products. The project work plans to recognize and make accessible the entirety of the Pacific Northwest climate-smart timber supply chain, track and trace the flow of fiber from source forests, through mills and processing, and into ten construction projects. To allow the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) community to differentiate between wood products based on forest carbon and associated ecosystem impacts, the project plans to build a simple, user-friendly web application that covers the contiguous U.S. This tool is planned to be designed with input from the intended end users, the AEC community, to ensure meeting their needs and providing them with an easy to use solution. In addition, contract payments to sawmills is planned to drive participation to grow transparency and data about log supply, as well as offer price premiums for sales of climate-smart wood to an interested buyer. Landowner sales incentives are planned to offer a premium to landowners for selling their wood to a participating sawmill. Producer payments are planned to focus on tribal partners, supporting culturally informed forest restoration work that partners would like to pursue on ancestral lands. Ecotrust also plans to engage in technical assistance and co-production of forest impact assessment deep dives involving Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV) activities with several tribes. These deep dives will characterize embodied carbon and other quantifiable impacts associated with tribal forest management. The intent of these deep dives is to increase tribal capacity and readiness to engage in marketing of tribal timber as a climate-smart commodity.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: EcoTrust*,**, Northwest Natural Resources Group*,**, Trout Mountain Forestry*,**, Vibrant Planet Data Commons*,**, Washington Conservation Action*,**, Virbrant Planet Public Benefit Corporation*,**, Pierce Conservation District*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-Smart Camelina --This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Major Commodities: Camelina
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Climate-Smart Potatoes from the Pacific Northwest: Managing Soil Health for Climate-Smart Outcomes
This project will build climate-smart markets and advance adoption of climate-smart management systems in the Pacific Northwest states of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon where more than 62% of U.S. potatoes are grown and 15% of the domestic supply of seed potatoes are produced. Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification are planned to be conducted at multiple scales to: (i) verify that conservation practices are implemented, (ii) establish Soil Health and C Targets, (iii) estimate GHG emission reductions at the county/Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) level, (iv) verify GHG emission reductions at the farm field level, (v) verify soil C-sequestration estimates, changes in soil C, and changes in soil health at the farm field level, and (vi) report on the practices and their impacts on GHG emissions, C-sequestration, and soil health over the five-year project period. As a part of developing pilot markets, the project identified two companies (Threemile Canyon and Mart Produce) that are interested in investigating development of pilot markets and promotions for Climate-Smart labelled potato products. Additionally, a pilot marketplace for buyers and sellers using chain-of-custody ownership tracking via the block chain through supply chains is planned to be investigated for the potential exchange of C-credits among project participants such as contracts between producers and processors/handlers, and between processors/handlers and product purchasers. The project plans to engage independent grower networks to reach small and underserved producers and plans to work through tribal liasons and partner networks to reach tribal producers. The three partnering tribes plan to enroll approximately 50,000 acres in the program. The project will continue engaging and enrolling additional tribes throughout the life of the project. The project will provide financial assistance as well as technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Oregon State University
Other Major Partners: Oregon State University, University of Idaho*, Washington State University, Soil Health Institute*, LoCo Plus, LLC*, Seven Generations LLC*, Industrial Hemp Association of Washington, Lamb Weston, Frito-Lay, Mart Produce, Simplot, Yakama Nation: Confederated Tribes and Bands, Nez Perce Tribe*, Confederated Tribes of the Colville
Primary States Expected: ID, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Potatoes
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
- Pennsylvania
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet PA (PDF, 306 KB)
Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Industrial Hemp for Fiber and Grain
This project aims to expand climate-smart markets and remedy lack of available data on environmentally beneficial practices for hemp production by providing open-accessible data and training and enabling monetization of climate-smart practices through a pilot designation in a digital marketplace. Additionally, this project develops an inclusive workforce that specializes in implementation of climate-smart practices by engaging underserved producers and financially supporting them as they learn these practices. Project plans to provide participating underserved producers an incentive payment, technical assistance, marketing assistance, and the revenue from the climate-smart hemp produced. Planned practices include cover crops and nutrient management.
Lead Partner: Iconoclast Industries, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Cedar Meadow Farm LLC*, University of Florida*, Stockton University*, Florida Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, SB Friedman Development Advisors, M4MM*, Canndigenous, EntreVation LLC, Legacy Farms Group, Delta Agriculture*, Auredia*, Validere*, Bravo Logistics, Highway Vodka
Primary States Expected: CO, FL, NE, NY, OK, PA, TX, VA, WI
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000Improving Forest Carbon Sequestration and Storage by Establishing Supply Chains for Low-Quality Wood Material and Incentivizing Sustainable Forestry Practices
This project pilots an incentives program to advance sustainable climate-smart forest management and create additional low-quality climate-smart wood market supply chains. Nearly every participant would be small scale or underserved, who would receive direct payments for retaining larger and higher quality trees. The project's partners would market the resulting climate-smart commodities, leveraging their well-established working relationships with buyers who require the low-quality wood material.
Lead Partner: AMRO United Corporation
Other Major Partners: LBS Ecological, Green Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services, Future Forest Management, Craver Logging, Welch Logging, Sawtooth Forestry
Major Commodities: Wood products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,800,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Production and Application of Biochar in Agricultural Practices at Small and Underserved Farms: Soil Enhancement, Carbon Sequestration, and promoting Climate-Smart Commodities
This project, led by minority serving university Florida A&M, plans to develop biochar-based climate-smart practices and technologies that may be implemented on farms, especially on underserved farms, and to market the resulting climate-smart commodities. In addition to free training and consulting, the producers are planned to receive a financial stimulus per acre of farmland used to implement climate-smart practices using biochar such as soil amendment, water infiltration and manure composting. Partner institutes and companies plan to contract with the landowners and producers to purchase some of the resulting commodities for research, product development, and food manufacturing purposes.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of California, Davis; Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability, Current foods, Florida Food Products, LLC., New North Florida Cooperative, California Almond Board, International Fresh Produce Association
Major Commodities: Legumes, leafy green vegetables, hemp, citrus
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,855,000
Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.
Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-smart Agriculture that is profitable, Regenerative, Actionable, and Trustworthy (CARAT)--This project will enable parters to expand climate-smart markets and work with dairy producers in PA to implement climate-smart agriculture. An overarching goal is establishing successful and profitable partnerships between diverse producers, including underserved producers, and consumers, leading to a reduction of greenhouse gases, suppressing CH4 & N20 emmissions, and storage of carbon.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania State University- University Park
Major Partners: Center for Dairy Excellence, Proagrica, Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, Red Barn Consulting
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks. DeLong (& 3rd party auditor) plan to verify practice implementation using documentation and select field visits. COMET-Farm or Granular Insights system will be used to estimate GHG benefits. The project plans to create global awareness and consumer preference for CSCs through existing buyer relationships creating CSC labeling for use on consumer goods. Project partners plan to play an active role in education, outreach, and inclusion of small and underserved producers, who will also receive an additional incentive on top of the climate smart practice incentive.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy*,**, Western New York Energy, Ingredion*,**, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company)*,**, Agris (Greenstone)*, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council*,**, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative*, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute*, Practical Farmers of Iowa*,**
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Producer Led Collaborative Effort to Fundamentally Transition the U.S. Beef Supply Chain to Carbon Neutral--This eight-state project will amplify production of climate-smart beef by expanding market drivers, grassroots support networks, and early adopter mentors and providing technical assistance for the adoption of Climate-smart grazing practices to substantially reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. The project will also support farmers in protecting their land through permanent easements to help ensure that the soil health and climate benefits from those practices continue far into the future.
Lead Partner: American Farmland Trust
Major Partners: American Farmland Trust, The Integrity Beef Alliance, Indigo Ag, AgriWebb, Freedmen Heirs Foundation, Earth Optics, Regenified, OpenTEAM, U.S. Biochar Initiative, Virginia Forage and Grasslands Council, Maryland Grazers Network, Pennsylvania Grazing Lands Coalition, Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, Black Family Land Trust, Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont, and Farmer Veteran Coalition
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Quantifying the Potential to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increase Carbon Sequestration by Growing and Marketing Climate-Smart Commodities in the Southern Piedmont
Aimed at the southern piedmont vegetable farming community, this proposal will utilize an interdisciplinary system approach including farmer adoption, understanding economic/social barriers, market/consumer buy-in, utilizing technology, and easing the burden on farmers. The results of the project will build climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increases carbon sequestration, and increase farmer economic opportunities and adoption of climate-smart agriculture. The Project will use COMET-Planner for farmers to evaluate soil GHG emissions and C-sequestration potentials on their farms. The project will also cross-validate Farm2Facts with COMET-Planner to ensure farmers are obtaining the highest level of data. The project will use farmers markets throughout the Southern Piedmont as vehicles to market CS vegetables, increase consumer and farmer buy-in, track CS commodities from producer to consumer, and learn about ways to influence consumer
behavior toward purchasing more CS commodities. Estimating that each participating farmer will receive cash incentives to implement climate-smart practices across the five years mostly to underserved and disadvantaged Southern Piedmont farmers.Leading Partner: Rodale Institute
Other Major Partners: University of Georgia*, Virginia Association for Biological Farming*, Georgia Organics*,**, Emory University*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Tennessee*,**, Clemson University*, North Carolina State University*, University of Wisconsin - Madison*,**, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University*, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Connect Group, LLC*
Primary States Expected: GA, NC, PA, SC, VA
Major Commodities: Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
The Mid-Atlantic Conservation Innovation Fund Climate-Smart Commodities project--This project will help expand climate-smart markets and address climate-smart plans and practices for hundreds of dairy producers and will provide an on-ramp and serve as a catalyst for additional state and private capital to bolster the implementation of whole farm plans.
Lead Partner: The Conservation Innovation Fund
Major Partners: Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, South Mountain Creamery, Stroud Water Research Center, Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, TeamAg, RedBarn Consulting, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Major Commodities: Dairy, Beef, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
- Rhode Island
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet RI (PDF, 302 KB)
Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000New England Climate-Smart Forest Partnership Project
This project will implement forest management practices with large commercial producers and smaller woodlot and Tribal owners to store more carbon in the forest, quantify the resulting carbon gains, and build markets for climate-smart forest products to store carbon in wood products and substitute wood products for fossil fuel-based materials. The project aims to include Climate-smart forestry practices like reduced impact logging, timber stand improvement thinning, maintaining legacy trees and brown ash as a component of New England’s forest, as well as maintain cultural integrity and economy of First Nations. This project plans to utilize the monitoring and verification program created by AFF and TNC for the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) that provides a sophisticated methodology for determining carbon stocking and can differentiate between areas treated with practices and the surrounding landscape. The program plans to advance markets for climate-smart forest products with a focus on high-value wood in the mass timber sector. The project plans to engage affordable housing agencies across the region in utilizing mass timber construction. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production.
Lead Partner: New England Forestry Foundation**
Other Major Partners: Seven Islands, Weyerhauser, Wagner Woodlands, Baskahegan, Robbins Lumber, Pasamoquoddy Forestry Dept, UMaine*,**, Nature Conservancy, Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership, Mass Tree Farm Program, Hull Forestlands, Heyes Family Forests, Trust to Conserve Northeast forestlands*,**, American Forest Foundation*,**, Spatial informatic group*, Innov. Natural Res. Solutions*, Spritios Properties, LLC*,**, Leers Weinzapfel Assoc*,**, Quantified Ventures*,**, Woodworks*, Forest Stewards Guild, Mas Audobon, Our climate common, Highstead Foundation, Mass Forest Alliance, CT Forest & Park Assoc, Appalach. Mtn Club. Mass Woodlands Institute,Tom Walker*, John Hagen*, Daigneault Consulting*
Primary States Expected: ME, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
- South Carolina
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet SC (PDF, 304 KB)
ClimateSmartGoods.com - Set Your Table and Lower Your Footprint
The project plans to select farms in Mississippi and South Carolina to demonstrate the implementation of conservation/production plans – “Smart Crop Plans”, supporting the creation of a corresponding knowledge-based training platform. Project partners also plan to provide professional marketing consultant to advise on packaging, branding and marketing of “Climate Smart” products and connecting the products with retail and wholesale markets.
Lead Partner: Up in Farms LLC
Other Major Partners: Up in Farms, Center of Resilience Excellence South Carolina, DRA Resources, Florida A&M University, Microsoft, NASA HBCU, Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance, Chulahoma's Garden LLC, BrightMa Farms, Piney Woods School, Warehouses 4 Good
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers
All pilot participants would be paid a stipend to cover time spent on climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design. Each farm would also have access to incentive payments, dependent on their emissions reductions and specific implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. A Greener World plans to provide customized marketing support to all project producers. Partners would ensure all outreach and technical assistance efforts are culturally-relevant and would assist producers in becoming Certified Regenerative which allows them to access new climate-smart markets and sell commodities for a higher premium.
Lead Partner: Greener World
Other Major Partners: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, Sub-contractor/Evaluation Partner, Soil Health Institute (SHI), National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), National Co-op Grocers (NCG)Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA)
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Beef, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,000,000
Production and Application of Biochar in Agricultural Practices at Small and Underserved Farms: Soil Enhancement, Carbon Sequestration, and promoting Climate-Smart Commodities
This project, led by minority serving university Florida A&M, plans to develop biochar-based climate-smart practices and technologies that may be implemented on farms, especially on underserved farms, and to market the resulting climate-smart commodities. In addition to free training and consulting, the producers are planned to receive a financial stimulus per acre of farmland used to implement climate-smart practices using biochar such as soil amendment, water infiltration and manure composting. Partner institutes and companies plan to contract with the landowners and producers to purchase some of the resulting commodities for research, product development, and food manufacturing purposes.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of California, Davis; Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability, Current foods, Florida Food Products, LLC., New North Florida Cooperative, California Almond Board, International Fresh Produce Association
Major Commodities: Legumes, leafy green vegetables, hemp, citrus
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,855,000
Regenerative Agriculture and its Potential in Climate-Smart Commodities to Enhance the Sustainability of Underserved and Limited Resources Farmers in South Carolina
The project would use its regional extension centers and county extension agents to recruit small scale, limited resource and underserved farmers in South Carolina interested in adopting and implementing best management practices to grow climate-smart commodities, such as leafy greens and cover crops. The recruited farmers would be incentivized to adopt emission reduction, climate-smart and conservation agricultural practices to maximize soil health, and carbon sequestration. The project would establish local and regionally based small farmer cooperative to market the climate-smart cash crop commodities.
Lead Partner: South Carolina State University
Other Major Partners: Mixon Seed Services, South Carolina Black Farmers Coalition
Primary States Expected: SC
Major Commodities: Peanuts, Leafy Green, Cover Crops (Turnip, Radish, kale, mustard) and other diversified crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,542,600
Urban Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Farm Initiative
The Urban Ag Climate Smart Commodities Farm Initiative intends to reach underserved, socially disadvantaged, primarily African American producers and provide financial incentives to Urban Ag Groups and Farmers to encourage participation in the program. This five-state pilot program would work with small and/or underserved producers to increase the supply and demand for Climate-Smart Commodities in rural and urban markets. The project would assist with purchasing items producers may need to set up climate-smart retail operations. Participants would also receive an UrbanAg Climate-Smart Commodities Marketing Toolkit and access to marketing bootcamps teaching farmers and partnering Urban Ag groups how to market climate-smart commodities to potential consumers. Participants would complete a survey at the beginning of the program to access their awareness and/or knowledge of Climate-Smart Agriculture, their willingness to adopt the practices and to determine what they might need to be successful.
Lead Partner: MCL JASCO, INC
Other Major Partners: Alabama A&M University, Alcorn University, Auburn University, Fort Valley State University, Jackson State University, Michigan State University, National Association of Women in Agriculture, Tuskegee University, University of Georgia, Washtenaw County Community College, Wayne County Community College
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,600Building Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities in South Carolina--This project will utilize a coalition of 27 entities to execute a pilot project that provides incentives to farmers to implement climate smart (CS) production practices. The project will examine and verify the benefits resulting from implementing CS practices and will support development of markets for the resulting CS commodities.
Lead Partners: Clemson University and Carolina State University
Major Partners: SC State U., American Peanut Council, Aster Global Environmental Solutions, Barry Graden, CU Wood Utilization Institute, Forest Assoc. of SC, Help for Landowners, Mixon Seeds, Plametto Agribusiness Council, Petrichor Global, SC Cattleman's Assoc., SC Peanut Board, SC Southern SARE, SC Timber Producers Assoc., SC Forage and Grazing Lands Coalition, SC Farmer;s Markets, SC Specialty Crop Assoc., The Long Leaf Alliance, Tidewater Lumber and Moulding, US Endowment for Forests and Communities, WP Rawl, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Gullah Geechee Community, SC Black Farmer's Assoc, SC New & Beginning Farmers Program, Fartmer Veteran Coalition of SC, Women in Agriculture, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Peanuts, Beef, Forage, Leafy Greens, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000Building Soil, Building Equity: Accelerating a Regenerative Farming Movement in Appalachia and the Southeast
This project seeks to build climate-smart markets and sequester carbon over thousands of acres of Appalachian and rural southeastern land through strategic recruitment from networks of producers. The project will use education, outreach, technical assistance, and incentivizing producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts.
Lead Partner: Accelerating Appalachia
Other Major Partners: National Center for Appropriate Technologies*, Kentucky State University*,**, Working Trees from Stanford University’s TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy*, Carbon Harvest*,GRC Advising*,**, Latin Talent Accelerator*
Primary States Expected: GA, KY, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Row Crops, Beef, Pork, Cotton, Wool & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000
Climate-Smart Grasslands: The Root of Agricultural Carbon Markets --A diverse partnership of 28 entities will develop climate-smart grasslands agriculture for the eastern US through a large-scale pilot project. The project collaborates with 245 working farms to install innovative, scientifically sound practices that improve soil carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain operational profitability and resiliency.
Lead Partner: The University of Tennessee
Major Partners: Univ. of AR, KY, MO AL Cooperative Extension, Clemson Univ., NC State University, Purdue Univ., TN State Univ., Univ. of TN, VA State University, and VA Tech, Tyson Foods Inc., JBS, Corteva, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Ecosystem Services Marketing Consortium, American Forage & Grassland Council, National Grazing Lands Coalition, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, multiple state cattle associations, American and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federations, The Nature Conservancy, American Bird Conservancy, Monarch Joint Venture, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, TN Department of Agriculture, MO Department of Conservation, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Major Commodities: Beef, Small Ruminants, Dairy, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large-scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and historically underserved producers. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in CropTrak®, which offers a proprietary cloud and mobile platform to help food and beverage companies increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of their supply chain. Once this data is entered, related greenhouse gas emissions and GHG emission reductions are planned to be calculated through third-party calculators integrated into the USDA COMET-Farm platform. Elevated plans to leverage its expertise in marketing and branding to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers, to broadly communicate the value of climate-smart fruits and vegetables with customers in multiple market sectors from farmers’ markets consumers to global retailers. Materials created through this effort are planned to include branded stickers for produce; branded produce bags and boxes; and the development of videos, social media promotions, and printed materials to share the value of climate-smart produce with consumers. The project plans to commit at least 25 percent of budgeted funds for producer incentives to support small and historically underserved fruit and vegetable producers.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods**
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture*, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag*, Soil Health Academy*, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak*, Decade Impact*, Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops*
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Quantifying the Potential to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increase Carbon Sequestration by Growing and Marketing Climate-Smart Commodities in the Southern Piedmont
Aimed at the southern piedmont vegetable farming community, this proposal will utilize an interdisciplinary system approach including farmer adoption, understanding economic/social barriers, market/consumer buy-in, utilizing technology, and easing the burden on farmers. The results of the project will build climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increases carbon sequestration, and increase farmer economic opportunities and adoption of climate-smart agriculture. The Project will use COMET-Planner for farmers to evaluate soil GHG emissions and C-sequestration potentials on their farms. The project will also cross-validate Farm2Facts with COMET-Planner to ensure farmers are obtaining the highest level of data. The project will use farmers markets throughout the Southern Piedmont as vehicles to market CS vegetables, increase consumer and farmer buy-in, track CS commodities from producer to consumer, and learn about ways to influence consumer
behavior toward purchasing more CS commodities. Estimating that each participating farmer will receive cash incentives to implement climate-smart practices across the five years mostly to underserved and disadvantaged Southern Piedmont farmers.Leading Partner: Rodale Institute
Other Major Partners: University of Georgia*, Virginia Association for Biological Farming*, Georgia Organics*,**, Emory University*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Tennessee*,**, Clemson University*, North Carolina State University*, University of Wisconsin - Madison*,**, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University*, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Connect Group, LLC*
Primary States Expected: GA, NC, PA, SC, VA
Major Commodities: Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- South Dakota
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet SD (PDF, 303 KB)
Climate-Smart Chicken and Feed: Scaling Climate-Smart Grain and Poultry Commodity Production as a System-Level Climate Solution for the Midwest
This project would support poultry producers who follow diversified regenerative climate-smart grain production methods incorporating small grains, no-till, and cover crops, integrated agroforestry practices. Producers may receive payments to adopt a climate-smart grain rotation for at least three years and for Organic climate-smart chicken production. Producers would receive a premium price for chickens, paid by Tree-Range Farms. Multiple strategic partners including tribal nations, immigrant-serving organizations, and other community partners plan to promote the project with underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Regeneration International/Regenerative Agriculture Alliance
Other Major Partners: Regenerative Agriculture Alliance (RAA); Freshwater Society; Minnesota State University Mankato; Carleton College; Tree-Range® Farms; Makoce Agriculture Development, Oatly, Regenerative Agriculture Solutions, General Mills, Latino Economic Development Center
Major Commodities: Poultry, small grain, oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900
Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000
Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate Beneficial Fiber: Building New, Accessible, and Equitable Market Opportunities for Climate-Smart Cotton and Wool
This project will expand the existing Climate Beneficial™ fiber program: a system for sequestering carbon, regenerating soil health and resilience, improving social equity, and bolstering America's ability to produce climate-smart fiber. A newly created, open-source, Carbon Farm Planning and Verification Platform will streamline climate-smart agriculture planning and verification for producers, verifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The project plans to have a trained Planner monitor implementation, ensuring that practices are implemented in accordance with practice standard criteria linked to the COMET tools. A Portal database architecture is planned to allow for anticipated and realized GHG benefits to be queried by project, region, commodity, or dollar expended, allowing these data to be aggregated and analyzed at various scales. Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation.
Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation. This project aims to meet the equity goals of the Justice40 Initiative, directing at least 40% of project benefits to small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource, and women farmers, as well as producers growing specialty crops.
Lead Partner: National Center for Appropriate Technology, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Carbon Cycle Institute*,**, Colorado State University Dept of Soil and Crop Sciences*, Fibershed*,**, Seed 2 Shirt*,**, New York Textile Lab*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, GA, IN, MT, NC, NY, SD, TN, WY
Major Commodities: Sheep, Wool, Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Climate-Smart Specialty Grains and Oilseeds: Covering America from Coast to Coast
This project increases on-farm crop rotations via a holistic management soil health protocol that results in identity preserved specialty grains and oilseeds, as well as a new category of climate-smart cover crop seed. The climate-smart specialty grains and oilseeds project will encourage farmers in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest to raise climate-smart oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina and develop related climate-smart markets. Project plans to provide technical assistance and direct financial climate-smart practice incentive payments or producer premiums for CS commodities. Partners plan to provide each underserved or small-scale producer participant a whole farm analysis enrolling more of their acres in working land conservation programs. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to quantify GHG benefits from both the contract specialty grain and oilseed fields and the resulting cover crops planted from their production. This project plans to grow five specialty crops (oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina) in a comprehensive climate-smart manner. Millborn Seeds plans to connect cover crop seed users. A target of 25% of total acres each year are planned to be reserved for underserved or small producers, ensuring that at least 25% of the incentive payments for the per bushel premium will go to these two producer groups. Additionally, an underserved rate is planned to be used for cover crop or perennial forage planting adoption, and technical assistance is planned to be provided to all participants on an individual basis. Each underserved or small producer are planned to receive a whole farm analysis from AgSpire on how more of their acres could participate in additional working lands conservation programs, beyond the enrolled acres in this project.
Lead Partner: Millborn Seeds, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: AgSpire*, EarthOptics*, High Plains Biochar, Biochar Co-Op, Value Added Agriculture Development Center, Grain Millers Inc., Iowa Cover Crop
Primary States Expected: IA,MN,MT,NE,ND,SD,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Oats, Rye, Flax, Buckwheat, Camelina, Specialty Grain, Oilseed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The GEVO Climate-Smart Farm-to-Flight Program--The project aims to create critical structural market incentives for low carbon-intensity (CI) corn as well as to accelerate the production of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce the sector’s dependency on fossil-based fuel. This project includes an immediate market opportunity to sell climate-smart, low-climate-impact corn.
Lead Partner: Gevo, Inc.
Major Partners: Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC, Google, Farmers Edge, EarthOptics, South Dakota State University, Regen Ag Labs, Yard Stick, Double H Ag Services, Farmers Edge, AgSpire, PrairieFood, Stine Seed Farm, Holganix, Trace Genomics, MidState Agronomy, Double H Ag Services, Colorado State University, Iowa State University, Standing Rock (SAGE) Renewable Energy Power Authority
Major Commodities: Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,040The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
- Tennessee
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet TN (PDF, 304 KB)
Climate-Smart Fiber Hemp: A Versatile Thread Connecting the Nation’s Underserved Farmers, Climate Change Mitigation and Novel Market Opportunities
This project would be a collaborative initiative to expand the production of industrial hemp as a climate-smart commodity, evaluate its greenhouse gas benefits (GHG), and promote the value of market development to a cross-section of production agriculture, including small, medium, and underserved producers across the state of Tennessee. Special efforts are planned to identify and recruit underserved producers (e.g. minority producers, women, veterans), as well as farmers from the nine most economically distressed counties in Tennessee and the 30 counties at risk for becoming economically distressed.
Lead Partner: Tennessee State University
Other Major Partners: Tennessee State University, Hemp Alliance of Tennessee, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, The Tennessee New Farmer Academy, based at Tennessee State University
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,972,800Building Whole-Farm Designs and Market Infrastructure to Provide Premiums for Climate-Smart Farming among Mid-Sized Agricultural Enterprises in the Ohio River Valley
This project plans to model and develop whole-farm carbon sequestration systems geared towards mid-sized polyculture farms that produce crops and beef. Farmers would receive a sign-up incentive, free technical assistance, and cost-share to implement climate-smart practices. Partners would include African-American food system organizers who would ensure engagement with minority, unrepresented, and socially disadvantaged growers. Partners would offer a Climate-Smart Beef product line to current retail and wholesale customers and provide avenues for grain producers to market and sell their products.
Lead Partner: Mt. Folly Enterprises Inc
Other Major Partners: Mt. Folly Farm, flagship farm, Eastern Kentucky University, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Rich Earth Grains LLC, Riverside Meats, Scott Shouse, Sourwood Forestry Consulting, Ale-8-1 Bottling Company, Skip Johnson, Doug Gurian-Sherman
Major Commodities: beef, corn, soy, wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000
Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Building Soil, Building Equity: Accelerating a Regenerative Farming Movement in Appalachia and the Southeast
This project seeks to build climate-smart markets and sequester carbon over thousands of acres of Appalachian and rural southeastern land through strategic recruitment from networks of producers. The project will use education, outreach, technical assistance, and incentivizing producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts.
Lead Partner: Accelerating Appalachia
Other Major Partners: National Center for Appropriate Technologies*, Kentucky State University*,**, Working Trees from Stanford University’s TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy*, Carbon Harvest*,GRC Advising*,**, Latin Talent Accelerator*
Primary States Expected: GA, KY, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Row Crops, Beef, Pork, Cotton, Wool & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Climate Beneficial Fiber: Building New, Accessible, and Equitable Market Opportunities for Climate-Smart Cotton and Wool
This project will expand the existing Climate Beneficial™ fiber program: a system for sequestering carbon, regenerating soil health and resilience, improving social equity, and bolstering America's ability to produce climate-smart fiber. A newly created, open-source, Carbon Farm Planning and Verification Platform will streamline climate-smart agriculture planning and verification for producers, verifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The project plans to have a trained Planner monitor implementation, ensuring that practices are implemented in accordance with practice standard criteria linked to the COMET tools. A Portal database architecture is planned to allow for anticipated and realized GHG benefits to be queried by project, region, commodity, or dollar expended, allowing these data to be aggregated and analyzed at various scales. Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation.
Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation. This project aims to meet the equity goals of the Justice40 Initiative, directing at least 40% of project benefits to small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource, and women farmers, as well as producers growing specialty crops.
Lead Partner: National Center for Appropriate Technology, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Carbon Cycle Institute*,**, Colorado State University Dept of Soil and Crop Sciences*, Fibershed*,**, Seed 2 Shirt*,**, New York Textile Lab*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, GA, IN, MT, NC, NY, SD, TN, WY
Major Commodities: Sheep, Wool, Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate-Smart Grasslands: The Root of Agricultural Carbon Markets --A diverse partnership of 28 entities will develop climate-smart grasslands agriculture for the eastern US through a large-scale pilot project. The project collaborates with 245 working farms to install innovative, scientifically sound practices that improve soil carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain operational profitability and resiliency.
Lead Partner: The University of Tennessee
Major Partners: Univ. of AR, KY, MO AL Cooperative Extension, Clemson Univ., NC State University, Purdue Univ., TN State Univ., Univ. of TN, VA State University, and VA Tech, Tyson Foods Inc., JBS, Corteva, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Ecosystem Services Marketing Consortium, American Forage & Grassland Council, National Grazing Lands Coalition, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, multiple state cattle associations, American and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federations, The Nature Conservancy, American Bird Conservancy, Monarch Joint Venture, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, TN Department of Agriculture, MO Department of Conservation, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Major Commodities: Beef, Small Ruminants, Dairy, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large-scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and historically underserved producers. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in CropTrak®, which offers a proprietary cloud and mobile platform to help food and beverage companies increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of their supply chain. Once this data is entered, related greenhouse gas emissions and GHG emission reductions are planned to be calculated through third-party calculators integrated into the USDA COMET-Farm platform. Elevated plans to leverage its expertise in marketing and branding to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers, to broadly communicate the value of climate-smart fruits and vegetables with customers in multiple market sectors from farmers’ markets consumers to global retailers. Materials created through this effort are planned to include branded stickers for produce; branded produce bags and boxes; and the development of videos, social media promotions, and printed materials to share the value of climate-smart produce with consumers. The project plans to commit at least 25 percent of budgeted funds for producer incentives to support small and historically underserved fruit and vegetable producers.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods**
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture*, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag*, Soil Health Academy*, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak*, Decade Impact*, Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops*
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet TX (PDF, 304 KB)
Industrial Hemp for Fiber and Grain
This project aims to expand climate-smart markets and remedy lack of available data on environmentally beneficial practices for hemp production by providing open-accessible data and training and enabling monetization of climate-smart practices through a pilot designation in a digital marketplace. Additionally, this project develops an inclusive workforce that specializes in implementation of climate-smart practices by engaging underserved producers and financially supporting them as they learn these practices. Project plans to provide participating underserved producers an incentive payment, technical assistance, marketing assistance, and the revenue from the climate-smart hemp produced. Planned practices include cover crops and nutrient management.
Lead Partner: Iconoclast Industries, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Cedar Meadow Farm LLC*, University of Florida*, Stockton University*, Florida Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, SB Friedman Development Advisors, M4MM*, Canndigenous, EntreVation LLC, Legacy Farms Group, Delta Agriculture*, Auredia*, Validere*, Bravo Logistics, Highway Vodka
Primary States Expected: CO, FL, NE, NY, OK, PA, TX, VA, WI
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000BEACON Pilot: Farmers Guiding Farmers Towards Climate Smart Agriculture
This project plans to advance equity by minimizing transaction costs and addressing cultural dynamics for Black and indigenous producers by using a farmer-to-farmer collaborative training approach. Farmers would define culturally appropriate product labels, and partners would work to increase market access, specifically through marketing the value-add of using climate-smart practices like cover crops, no-till, tree planting and prescribed grazing.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: National Black Food & Justice Alliance, Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, the Tallahassee Food Network, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Organic Farmers Association, Women Food and Agriculture Network, the Earth’s Garden Network
Major Commodities: Specialty and organic crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000Climate Resiliency for the Farm and Market Development: Economically Viable Low Carbon and Climate-Smart Practices for Soybean Farming
Team Climate-Smart Soybean plan to provide small/underserved soybean producers with sufficient incentives to encourage the use of climate-smart practices and participate in the development of markets and promotion of climate-smart soybeans. Participants would use cover crops, no-till, climate-smart soybeans, crop rotation, bio-fertilizers, and biochar. Led by a Hispanic-serving institution, project assistance would be provided in a culturally-relative approach.
Lead Partner: University of Texas at Arlington
Other Major Partners: Texas A&M AgriLife, University of Missouri, Tarleton State University
Major Commodities: Corn & Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,991,400
Climate-Smart Sustainability Certificate
The project would create the Climate-Smart Sustainability (CSS) Certificate to quantify the value of existing and newly adopted climate-smart interventions. The development of the CSS Certificate would substantially expand opportunities for climate-smart commodities and small-scale underserved and limited resources farmers. The project teams plans to connect with networks producers, processors, and Agri-Technology companies to help build out the market for climate-smart commodities. The data-backed CSS Certificate would provide a solution to value and document the carbon and environmental co-benefits embedded within purchased grains and other food crops so that buyers of U.S. commodities can certify GHG reductions within their supply chain.
Lead Partner: Prairie View A&M University
Other Major Partners: Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, Michigan Aerospace Corporation
Major Commodities: Strawberry, edible soybean, radish and leafy green
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,997,300
Establishing Climate-Smart Commodities with Reduced Greenhouse Gas Footprints to Enhance Environmental and Economic Sustainability in the Texas High Plains
The goals of this project are to quantify benefits from these climate-smart commodities on a variety of producer field sites, estimate GHG footprint across the supply chain using COMET (carbon management evaluation tool), develop a framework to demonstrate socio-economic and environmental sustainability in the Texas High Plains and support a market for sustainably produced climate-smart cotton. Multiple producers representing 10 Texas counties have been identified within the categories of Hispanic, veteran, women, beginning farmers, and early adopters.
Lead Partner: Texas Tech University System
Other Major Partners: National Cotton Council, National Sorghum Producers, Texas Alliance for Water Conservation (TAWC) advisory board, No-Till Texas, Field to Market, Texas Sorghum Association, Groguru, Agri-Search
Major Commodities: Cotton, Sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,945,500
Improved Practices of Climate-Smart Livestock Production Systems and Agricultural Commodities while Enhancing Carbon Sequestration in the Southern USA: Innovating toward a new climate-smart commodity by investing in minority producers
The project plans to work with minority small producers to implement silvopasture systems and climate-resilient forage systems. Producers would receive incentives that enable their participation in climate-smart pilots and continued implementation, including reduced feed costs, carbon credit profits, and value-added products. Partners would create a mobile processing and marketing system to support the local, farm-direct meat production pipeline in a climate-conscious manner. The marketing pipeline combine farmers’ markets, local restaurants, craft butcher shops, and direct to-consumer approaches.Lead Partner: Tuskegee University
Other Major Partners: Mississippi State University, Alabama A&M University, Langston University, Widget Development & Trading Company
Major Commodities: Sheep and Goats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,081,100Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers
All pilot participants would be paid a stipend to cover time spent on climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design. Each farm would also have access to incentive payments, dependent on their emissions reductions and specific implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. A Greener World plans to provide customized marketing support to all project producers. Partners would ensure all outreach and technical assistance efforts are culturally-relevant and would assist producers in becoming Certified Regenerative which allows them to access new climate-smart markets and sell commodities for a higher premium.
Lead Partner: Greener World
Other Major Partners: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, Sub-contractor/Evaluation Partner, Soil Health Institute (SHI), National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), National Co-op Grocers (NCG)Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA)
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Beef, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,000,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Validating Agrivoltaic Technology with Underserved Agricultural Producers
This project plans to pilot the climate-smart co-location of agriculture and solar power (agrivoltaics) to measure and evaluate greenhouse gas benefits and promote equitable climate-smart commodity market development for Hispanic farmers and ranchers. Partners also plan to provide direct financial and culturally-relevant technical assistance to participants for implementing agrivoltaic systems on their farms and ranches.
Lead Partner: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Other Major Partners: Purdue University, AgriSolar Clearinghouse, HOPE for Small Farm Sustainability, Texas/Mexico Border Coalition (TMBC), Starr County Industrial Foundation (SCIF), Hub of Prosperity, Zamora Ranch, Justice and Mercy Energy Services (JustEnergy), The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), UTRGV Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement (SARA)
Major Commodities: Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $2,229,200
Waste to Plate: Building Circular Economies and Shorter Supply Chains for Livestock Reared on Regenerating Dryland Range with Organic Amendments
Quivira Coalition and partners plans to work with project participants to produce biochar and compost and them on degraded rangeland to enhance ecological function, carbon sequestration, and forage production Each producer would receive a stipend to support their time towards producing, deploying, monitoring, and communicating with technical support providers, host fees to support the workshop, and supplies. This project would provide direct technical support to help producers finish animals on grass, optimize carcasses for their particular customer base, and build the tools, such as an online shopping cart or a social media presence, for region-based marketing.
Lead Partner: Quivira Coalition
Other Major Partners: Reunity Resources, Trollworks, Wilson Biocha, Southwest Grassfed Livestock Alliance, Good Meat Project, Polk’s Folly Farm, Kathryn Bedell, Creighton Robinson, Dixon Water Foundation, Weaver Ranch, Colorado State University, Dixon Water Foundation; Trilogy Beef Community; Roan Creck Ranch
Major Commodities: Grassfed beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,536,000
ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000AGriCapture Climate-Friendly Rice
This project will benefit climate-smart farmers in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, and California while expanding climate-smart rice markets and guaranteeing a supply of climate-smart rice to customers. All farms will be certified under the ACFRS. This project plans direct incentive payment to producers for climate-smart practice implementation and identity preserved storage and potential crop premiums for producers who develop their own processing capabilities and markets. Planned practices include: alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigated rice, reduced burning of rice stubble, early incorporation of rice stubble into the soil, and various techniques for improving nitrogen fertilizer efficiency. The project plans to follow AgriCapture's Climate-Friendly ™ Rice Standard, which uses IPCC equations and DNDC modeling for GHG benefits; representative soil sampling; in-field data collection activities including drone footage, ground level photos and videos, etc.; and use of remote sensing technologies to monitor changes in practices. The project plans to leverage existing marketing and sales employees to develop the buyer market for climate smart rice. The project plans to assist 30 percent underserved or small producers.
Lead Partner: AgriCapture, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Univ. of MO*, Cedar Woods Consulting*, Dainty Foods, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Blue Apron, McKaskle Family Farm, Arkansas River Rice Mill, Anheuser-Busch
Primary States Expected: AR, CA, LA, MS, MO, TX
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,500,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Climate SMART (Scaling Mechanisms for Agriculture’s Regenerative Transformation)
This project, which will reach across 43 states, aims to catalyze a self-sustaining, market-based network to broaden farmer access, scale adoption of climate-smart practices, and sustainably produce grain and dairy commodities with verified and quantified climate benefits. Truterra plans to work with food and ag companies to acquire project grown climate-smart commodities. Truterra’s quantification methodology would include a modeled-plus-measured approach to quantify GHG removals, using a field-level calibrated version of the DayCent model for both the baseline (producer’s actual prior practices) and the current state with new practice. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines would be used to determine emissions from all sources that cannot be effectively modeled using DAYCENT and WEPP (used to determine energy demand of field passes based on crop operations); model runs would be supported by soil sampling stratified by soil (physiochemical class, soil textural class, and soil drainage class), management (Generalized Tillage Intensity Rating (gTIR) for each of the past six years, grouped into low- or medium-tillage), and climate (temperature and effective precipitation). Truterra plans to work with Food and Ag companies to 1) better understand the commodity production practices in their supply chain, 2) identify geographies where working with producers on CSC will have the most impact, 3) deploy resources through the Network to create a “supply” of practice change, and 4) procure the resulting GHG or other ecosystem service assets. This system would enable food companies to acquire CSCs, rewards producers for producing them, and offers Network members an incentive payment for helping make it happen. The project plans to equip 11 underserved producer organizations with access to the Truterra sustainability tool, services and programs, and provide targeted support on approximately hundreds of thousands of acres as welll as train Black Climate-Smart Agronomists through internships/fellowships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the Southeast. The project also plans to provide priority access to all project technical and financial assistance opportunities and train and incentivize 10 or more underserved producers to host Farmer Peer Networks.
Lead Partner: Truterra, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Ag Gateway, Biofiltro, Continuum Ag, ESRI, Equilibrium Capital, Farmobile*, FarmRaise, John Deere, La Crosse Seed, Macquarie, Microsoft, Northern Star Seed, Sound Ag, Strand Gard Stewardship, WinField United, American Farmland Trust*, Black Family Land Trust*, Farm Credit Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives*, Minorities in Ag, Natrl. Res. & Related Sciences, Soil Health Institute*, Butcher Box, Campbell Soup, Green Plains, Hershey, Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Nestle Purina, Perdue, Primient, Tate & Lyle, Cloud Ag, Colorado State Univ., SustainCert & 50 ag retail coops, Venture37 Services*, United States Biochar Initiative*, OpenTEAM*, Allied Soil Health Services*, Western NY Crop Management Association*, Agriculural Consulting Services*
Primary States Expected: AL,AZ,AR,CA,CO,DE,FL,GA,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MN,MS,MO,MT,NE,NV,NJ,NY,NC,ND,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,SD,TN,TX,UT,VA,WA,WV,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Climate Smart Cotton through a Sustainable & Innovative Supply Chain Approach --This project will implement methods to restore soil and ecosystem health in cotton production through regenerative farming and best practices based on specific regions and needs.
Lead Partner: Ecom USA, LLC
Major Partners: ECOM USA, Earthworm. Quarterway Cotton Growers, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, University of Arkansas Coop Ext, CIBO Technologies, Control Union, 5 LOCCotton, Product DNA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Climate-Smart Camelina --This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Major Commodities: Camelina
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,040National Sorghum Producers Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will implement climate-smart production practices across hundreds of thousands of acres of sorghum working lands, with the goal of reducing hundreds of millions of pounds of carbon emissions and developing markets for sorghum as a climate-smart commodity. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in an established and proprietary EcoPractices platform, a platform currently used by Nestlé and Danone to track and monitor climate-smart practices implemented by other commodity farmers in select and limited areas of their supply chains. Furthermore, GHG benefits beyond the farmgate plan to be quantified using the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) model. In addition to farm-level monitoring of practices using the EcoPractices platform, the project plans to engage Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU; Texas Tech University, an HSI; Texas A&M University, an HSI; and Kansas State University to execute a technical program aimed at quantifying the value of emissions reductions associated with irrigation water use reduction and nitrate leaching, volatilization and runoff mitigation techniques. The project plans to collaborate with sorghum producers to take advantage of added value, primarily in the California fuel market with climate-smart sorghum being sold to ethanol companies for use in ethanol production, resulting in low carbon fuel credits for fuel purchasers and an incremental market premium for sorghum producers. The project plans for a minimum percentage of this project’s budgeted funds and technical assistance for small and historically underserved sorghum producers/landowners. Partners will conduct outreach to Black, woman, and Native farmers specifically.
Lead Partner: National Sorghum Producers Association**
Other Major Partners: KS Black Farmers Assoc.; Peoria Tribe of Indians of OK; KS AgriWomen; Women Managing the Farm; CO, KS, NM, OK & TX Sorghum Assocs; United Sorghum Checkoff, Prairie View A&M*, CO State, TX Tech*, TX A&M*, KS State* and OK State Univ.; NM & KS Depts of Agriculture; Field to Market; RIPE; Trust in Food™; Natl. Cotton Council; Amer. Coalit. for Ethanol; KS Water, Pheasants/Quail Forever*; Salk Institute; Danforth Center*; Galvanize Clim. Solut.; Arable*; Argonne Natl Lab; Sust Envir Consult*; ServiTech*,**; Danone; Kashi; Bayer Crop Sci; ADM; Conestoga Energy; KS Ethanol; Pratt, West Plains & Energy; Nu Life Market; CoBank; & High Plains Farm Credit; Northrup.ag*,**, Pinion*, White Energy, Carbon A List*, Sero Ag. Strategies*
Primary States Expected: CO, KS, NM, OK, TX, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $65,000,000
Producer Led Collaborative Effort to Fundamentally Transition the U.S. Beef Supply Chain to Carbon Neutral--This eight-state project will amplify production of climate-smart beef by expanding market drivers, grassroots support networks, and early adopter mentors and providing technical assistance for the adoption of Climate-smart grazing practices to substantially reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. The project will also support farmers in protecting their land through permanent easements to help ensure that the soil health and climate benefits from those practices continue far into the future.
Lead Partner: American Farmland Trust
Major Partners: American Farmland Trust, The Integrity Beef Alliance, Indigo Ag, AgriWebb, Freedmen Heirs Foundation, Earth Optics, Regenified, OpenTEAM, U.S. Biochar Initiative, Virginia Forage and Grasslands Council, Maryland Grazers Network, Pennsylvania Grazing Lands Coalition, Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, Black Family Land Trust, Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont, and Farmer Veteran Coalition
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Rice Stewardship Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities--This project will build climate-smart rice markets and work to reduce methane emissions in rice production through the adoption of alternate wetting and drying, furrow irrigation, and other climate-smart practices and support historically underserved producers by improving critical infrastructure necessary to implement climate-smart practices in the future.
Lead Partner: USA Rice Federation, Inc
Major Partners: National Black Growers Council; Warehouses4Good; Entergy Corporation; Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; USA Rice; California Rice Commission; Delta F.A.R.M.; Walmart Corporation; Walmart Foundation; Nestle’ Purina PetCare Company; The Mosaic Company; RiceTec, Inc.; Anheuser-Busch; Riceland Foods; Delta Plastics; Corteva Agriscience; Field to Market; Arva Intelligence; Regrow; University of Arkansas; Mars; Kellogg’s.
Major Commodities: Rice
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000
Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Scaling Up the Industrial Hemp Supply Chain as Carbon Negative Feedstock for Fuel and Fiber
This project will help with commercializing and marketing climate-smart hemp crops while driving soil carbon sequestration and climate resilience. The project aims to provide effective valuation and monetization of environmental services, including carbon dioxide removal via implementation of new genetics and management practices to increase sustainability of hemp as an annual crop in the U.S. The project plans to support small-scale, minority and other underserved farmers by paying producer license fees, incentives and seed costs. Partners are planning Climate-Smart marketing and technical feasibility studies. Leaf and soil samples will be collected from farm sites. The project plans to use data collection to verify satisfactory model performance of various computer simulation models used to manage natural resources [e.g., COMET-Farm, DayCent, The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and The Agricultural Policy / Environmental eXtender (APEX)]. Marketing feasibility studies and technical feasibility studies are planned to be conducted during the Climate Smart grant study to determine the scale and location of the plants.The project plans to pre-contract and identity preserve crops. The project plans to support small and minority and underrepresented farmers by paying producer license fees, incentives and seed costs.
Lead Partner: Lincoln University
Other Major Partners: National Hemp Association, Kansas Farmers Union, Missouri Farmers Union*, Missouri Organic Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People*, Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Oklahoma Farmers Union, ShowMe State Hemp Association, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Donald Danforth Plant Science Research Center*, Oklahoma State University*, Prairie View A&M Univ.*, St. Louis Univ.*, Southeast Missouri State Univ., Univ. of Missouri*, Benchmark Design, Cquester Analytics, DTE Materials, HempWood, Midwest Natural Fiber*, New West Genetics*, REA Resource Recovery Systems, Rockwater, Renaissance Fiber, The GIC Group*
Primary States Expected: MO (and CO, OK, TX for test plots only)
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $5,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
Texas Climate-Smart Initiative--This project, the Texas Climate Smart Initiative (CSI), is a five-year multi-commodity pilot project to transition Texas' large agricultural sector to Climate Smart ag and forestry (CSAF) practices and develop new markets for Climate smart commodities. Target commodities: crops, animal production and forestry.
Lead Partner: Texas A & M Agrilife Research
Major Partners: Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board, Prairie View A&M University, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley, Tarleton State University, BCarbon, Nori, Plains Cotton Growers Association, Texas Wheat Producers Board, TX Corn Producers Board, TX Sorghum Producers Board, TX Rice Producers Board, U.S. Rice Producers Association, TX Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association, TX International Produce Association, TX Citrus Mutual, TX Pecan Growers Association, TX Small Farmers & Ranchers Organization, 100Ranchers, TX Cattle Feeders Association, TX Association of Dairymen, TX Poultry Federation, TX Forestry Association, TX Chapter of National Women in Agriculture, Global Revive, Small Producers Initiative, American Plant Food
Major Commodities: Cotton, Wheat, Sorghum, Corn, Rice, Vegetables, Livestock, Dairy, Forest Products, Citrus, Pecan, Olive, Grapes, Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $65,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- Utah
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet UT (PDF, 301 KB)
Innovative Beef Cattle Management in Utah’s Semi-arid Rangelands for Climate-Smart Outcomes and Commodity Market Development
Utah ranchers running small scale operations would receive financial and technical assistance to participate in an innovative grazing pilot project to produce climate-smart beef and establish viable and accessible cattle marketplaces.
Lead Partner: Multiplier
Other Major Partners: Utah Grazing Improvement Program, Three Creeks Grazing, LLC, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Landowners Alliance, Working Lands Conservation
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,000Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West
This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to verify GHG benefits. In addition, Colorado State University will study impact and adoption of climate-smart soil health practices. The project plans to use a STAR Rating System to market & receive premium for climate-smart products. Branding opportunities for STAR related products will be used. The project plans to support multiple underserved producers with financial assistance. To ensure equitable administration that includes small / underserved producers, improved understanding and awareness of climate-smart commodities among small and underserved producers, expand their access to participation and reduce market entry risk, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) and others to help guide recruitment and peer to peer learning.
Lead Partner: Colorado Department of Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District*, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts & Conservation Districts in other states*,**, Colorado Open Lands*, Colorado State University*, National Center for Appropriate Technology*, Sangre de Cristo Association of Acequias, Univ. of Idaho, Montana State Univ., New Mexico State Univ., Utah State University, Univ. of Wyoming, Audubon Society, Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, Acres USA, Quivira Coalition, Yardstick, Zero Foodprint, Bob’s Red Mill, Quinn Snacks, Groundup Consulting*,
Primary States Expected: CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WA, WY
Major Commodities: Beef, Corn, Grains
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
- Virginia
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet VA (PDF, 306 KB)
Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000Expanding the Participation of Marginal Producers and Landowners to Promote Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Practices: Continuous Efforts of 1890 Agroforestry Consortium
The project plans to support small-scale and other underserved producers in three states with financial and technical assistance to transform their traditional production into a multi-pronged agroforestry-based climate-smart, sustainable production system. All producers and landowners are planned to receive financial incentives to cover costs of inputs and services. Partners plan to form a marketing network for labelling, packaging, and branding climate-smart commodities.
Lead Partner: Tuskegee University
Other Major Partners: Alabama A&M University, Virginia State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Major Commodities: nuts, specialty vegetables, fruits (apples, persimmon, berries), medicinal herbs, and meat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Grazing Regeneratively for Appalachian Sustainable Solutions
Underserved farmers would receive financial and technical assistance to support the transition from typical livestock systems management to climate-smart practices. Practices implemented include land management plans, prescribed grazing, bale grazing, native grass and silvopasture establishment, incorporation of legumes and non-leguminous forbs, and use of traditional and novel soil amendments, such as biochar. The project would provide producers with marketing assistance for grass-fed beef products as long as producers meet required criteria of certifications and product quality.
Lead Partner: West Virginia University Research Corporation
Other Major Partners: West Virginia University (WVU), Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, West Virginia State University, The West Virginia Conservation Agency (WVCA), The Soil and Water Conservation Division of Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (VaDCR-SWCD), Hickory Nut Gap (HNG)
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,795,300
Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities
This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Increasing Accessibility to Regenerative Farming Practices and Markets for Small and/or Underserved Producers
All pilot participants would be paid a stipend to cover time spent on climate-smart regenerative farm planning and emissions reduction plan design. Each farm would also have access to incentive payments, dependent on their emissions reductions and specific implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. A Greener World plans to provide customized marketing support to all project producers. Partners would ensure all outreach and technical assistance efforts are culturally-relevant and would assist producers in becoming Certified Regenerative which allows them to access new climate-smart markets and sell commodities for a higher premium.Lead Partner: Greener World
Other Major Partners: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, Sub-contractor/Evaluation Partner, Soil Health Institute (SHI), National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), National Co-op Grocers (NCG)Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA)
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops; Beef, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,000,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
National Black Growers Council Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program
In this project, the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) plans to work with historically underserved farmers to test regenerative agricultural practices and determine which are best suited for various regions and farm types in the Southeast United States. Once complete, NBGC plans to scale up participation to include additional farmers, providing incentives to increase adoption of regenerative agricultural practices and leveraging market data to sell products to corporate partners who need to meet corporate sustainability goals.
Lead Partner: National Black Growers Council
Other Major Partners: Cargill, Bayer, Syngenta
Major Commodities: Cotton, corn, rice, soybeans, sugar cane, peanuts, canola, and grain sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,789,000
Production and Application of Biochar in Agricultural Practices at Small and Underserved Farms: Soil Enhancement, Carbon Sequestration, and promoting Climate-Smart Commodities
This project, led by minority serving university Florida A&M, plans to develop biochar-based climate-smart practices and technologies that may be implemented on farms, especially on underserved farms, and to market the resulting climate-smart commodities. In addition to free training and consulting, the producers are planned to receive a financial stimulus per acre of farmland used to implement climate-smart practices using biochar such as soil amendment, water infiltration and manure composting. Partner institutes and companies plan to contract with the landowners and producers to purchase some of the resulting commodities for research, product development, and food manufacturing purposes.
Lead Partner: Florida A&M University
Other Major Partners: University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of California, Davis; Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability, Current foods, Florida Food Products, LLC., New North Florida Cooperative, California Almond Board, International Fresh Produce Association
Major Commodities: Legumes, leafy green vegetables, hemp, citrus
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,855,000
Sustainable Agricultural Solutions to Plastic Pollution
Through this project, underserved producers would receive financial and technical assistance for climate-smart practices including cultivation of hemp as a cover crop, and other rotational crop trials. The project plans to evaluate industrial hemp bioplastics, develop software to calculate the environmental impact of a new feedstock and identify climate-smart market opportunities.
Lead Partner: PlantSwitch, Inc
Other Major Partners: Ag Processing Solutions, Brian Furnish, Leistritz Extrusion, Extrusion Technology and Innovation, Plant Based Products Council, SmartFarm Innovation Network, Tillery Sims. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Virginia State University, Virginia Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,940,000Building Soil, Building Equity: Accelerating a Regenerative Farming Movement in Appalachia and the Southeast
This project seeks to build climate-smart markets and sequester carbon over thousands of acres of Appalachian and rural southeastern land through strategic recruitment from networks of producers. The project will use education, outreach, technical assistance, and incentivizing producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts.
Lead Partner: Accelerating Appalachia
Other Major Partners: National Center for Appropriate Technologies*, Kentucky State University*,**, Working Trees from Stanford University’s TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy*, Carbon Harvest*,GRC Advising*,**, Latin Talent Accelerator*
Primary States Expected: GA, KY, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Row Crops, Beef, Pork, Cotton, Wool & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Climate-Smart Grasslands: The Root of Agricultural Carbon Markets --A diverse partnership of 28 entities will develop climate-smart grasslands agriculture for the eastern US through a large-scale pilot project. The project collaborates with 245 working farms to install innovative, scientifically sound practices that improve soil carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain operational profitability and resiliency.
Lead Partner: The University of Tennessee
Major Partners: Univ. of AR, KY, MO AL Cooperative Extension, Clemson Univ., NC State University, Purdue Univ., TN State Univ., Univ. of TN, VA State University, and VA Tech, Tyson Foods Inc., JBS, Corteva, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Ecosystem Services Marketing Consortium, American Forage & Grassland Council, National Grazing Lands Coalition, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, multiple state cattle associations, American and Tennessee Farm Bureau Federations, The Nature Conservancy, American Bird Conservancy, Monarch Joint Venture, National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, TN Department of Agriculture, MO Department of Conservation, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Major Commodities: Beef, Small Ruminants, Dairy, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Industrial Hemp for Fiber and Grain
This project aims to expand climate-smart markets and remedy lack of available data on environmentally beneficial practices for hemp production by providing open-accessible data and training and enabling monetization of climate-smart practices through a pilot designation in a digital marketplace. Additionally, this project develops an inclusive workforce that specializes in implementation of climate-smart practices by engaging underserved producers and financially supporting them as they learn these practices. Project plans to provide participating underserved producers an incentive payment, technical assistance, marketing assistance, and the revenue from the climate-smart hemp produced. Planned practices include cover crops and nutrient management.
Lead Partner: Iconoclast Industries, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Cedar Meadow Farm LLC*, University of Florida*, Stockton University*, Florida Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, SB Friedman Development Advisors, M4MM*, Canndigenous, EntreVation LLC, Legacy Farms Group, Delta Agriculture*, Auredia*, Validere*, Bravo Logistics, Highway Vodka
Primary States Expected: CO, FL, NE, NY, OK, PA, TX, VA, WI
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000
Producer Led Collaborative Effort to Fundamentally Transition the U.S. Beef Supply Chain to Carbon Neutral--This eight-state project will amplify production of climate-smart beef by expanding market drivers, grassroots support networks, and early adopter mentors and providing technical assistance for the adoption of Climate-smart grazing practices to substantially reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. The project will also support farmers in protecting their land through permanent easements to help ensure that the soil health and climate benefits from those practices continue far into the future.
Lead Partner: American Farmland Trust
Major Partners: American Farmland Trust, The Integrity Beef Alliance, Indigo Ag, AgriWebb, Freedmen Heirs Foundation, Earth Optics, Regenified, OpenTEAM, U.S. Biochar Initiative, Virginia Forage and Grasslands Council, Maryland Grazers Network, Pennsylvania Grazing Lands Coalition, Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, Black Family Land Trust, Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont, and Farmer Veteran Coalition
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Quantifying the Potential to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increase Carbon Sequestration by Growing and Marketing Climate-Smart Commodities in the Southern Piedmont
Aimed at the southern piedmont vegetable farming community, this proposal will utilize an interdisciplinary system approach including farmer adoption, understanding economic/social barriers, market/consumer buy-in, utilizing technology, and easing the burden on farmers. The results of the project will build climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increases carbon sequestration, and increase farmer economic opportunities and adoption of climate-smart agriculture. The Project will use COMET-Planner for farmers to evaluate soil GHG emissions and C-sequestration potentials on their farms. The project will also cross-validate Farm2Facts with COMET-Planner to ensure farmers are obtaining the highest level of data. The project will use farmers markets throughout the Southern Piedmont as vehicles to market CS vegetables, increase consumer and farmer buy-in, track CS commodities from producer to consumer, and learn about ways to influence consumer
behavior toward purchasing more CS commodities. Estimating that each participating farmer will receive cash incentives to implement climate-smart practices across the five years mostly to underserved and disadvantaged Southern Piedmont farmers.Leading Partner: Rodale Institute
Other Major Partners: University of Georgia*, Virginia Association for Biological Farming*, Georgia Organics*,**, Emory University*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Tennessee*,**, Clemson University*, North Carolina State University*, University of Wisconsin - Madison*,**, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University*, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Connect Group, LLC*
Primary States Expected: GA, NC, PA, SC, VA
Major Commodities: Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) Partnership: Supporting Agricultural Producers at All Scales to Deliver Productivity, Market Opportunities, and Enhanced Soil, Water, and Climate Benefits--This project will build climate-smart markets for a variety of agricutural commodities and help to make adopting climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices more economically viable for producers by compensating them at a rate that guarantees and reasonable return, with a price floor that surpasses costs..
Lead Partner: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Major Partners: Rural Partnership to Protect the Environment (RIPE), Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, North Dakota Farmers Union, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Arkansas Rice Federation, Agricultural Council of Arkansas, Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Assoc., Natl. Assoc. of Conservation Districts, National Black Growers Council, Sustainable Food Lab, Environmental Initiative, and Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR)
Major Commodities: Corn, Rice, Beef, Pork, Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
The Mid-Atlantic Conservation Innovation Fund Climate-Smart Commodities project--This project will help expand climate-smart markets and address climate-smart plans and practices for hundreds of dairy producers and will provide an on-ramp and serve as a catalyst for additional state and private capital to bolster the implementation of whole farm plans.
Lead Partner: The Conservation Innovation Fund
Major Partners: Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, South Mountain Creamery, Stroud Water Research Center, Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, TeamAg, RedBarn Consulting, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Major Commodities: Dairy, Beef, Forage
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000U.S. Climate-Smart Cotton Program
This project will build markets for climate-smart cotton and provide technical and financial assistance to over 1,000 U.S. cotton farmers, including underserved cotton producers, to advance adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 1 million acres, producing millions of bales of Climate-Smart Cotton over five years, and demonstrating major carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reductions and millions of dollars of economic benefits to farmers. Project plans to provide participants up to three years of financial assistance for climate-smart practices like nutrient management and cover crops. To enhance market opportunities for participants, partners plan to leverage and enhance their existing relationships within the apparel industry. The project technology platform will leverage existing data reporting infrastructure, SHI’s measurement of soil health and carbon outcomes and track GHG benefits through the supply chain. The project plans to utilize remote sensing, conduct representative soil sampling and GHG monitoring, and perform in-person visits for each field. The project plans to build demand for climate-smart cotton and insets produced throughout the project duration to fashion/textile brands and retailers by leveraging and enhancing existing relationships between project partners and the apparel industry. The project plans to enroll 20% underserved producers.
Lead Partner: US Cotton Trust Protocol
Other Major Partners: Soil Health Institute*, Cotton Incorporated**, Agricenter International*, North Carolina A&T State U*, Alabama A&M U*, Texas AgriLife*, National Cotton Council**, Targe Corporation**,.
Primary States Expected: AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Major Commodities: Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
- Vermont
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet VT (PDF, 303 KB)
Alliance to Catalyze Transition Incentives through Open Networks for Climate-Smart Agriculture
This project will develop the systemic tools and approaches necessary to catalyze change by operating in three areas simultaneously: equipping and training Technical Service Providers for CSA implementation, creating transition finance incentives for producers, and developing a robust and self-sustaining marketplace for climate-smart commodities. A market expansion strategy is planned to leverage the partnership networks to expand purchaser commitments, develop transition financing models and a CSA connector and marketplace exchange to match buyers, funders and producers and implement community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to deploy at least 25 percent of Producer Incentive Program funds to Black and other underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Expected carbon gains are planned to be initially estimated using COMET-Planner, which will then be verified by monitoring carbon stocks for each project using the Range-C or Crop-C Monitoring Frameworks. In addition, 5% of projects are intended to be monitored intensively using these frameworks to produce strong levels of inference, 75% are planned to be monitored more moderately, and 20% are planned to be monitored at low intensities. Management data in the Ag Data Wallet integrates directly with GHG models and farm calculators such as COMET-Farm or Cool Farm Tool, allowing producers to complete certification recordkeeping GHG benefit through the same process, and these modeled datasets can be supplemented with soil test results, satellite data and imagery, and other site specific data points to provide one platform for managing all of the information needed to model, monitor, report, and verify a farms impact on climate change and carbon sequestration. The Market Expansion strategy is planned to leverage the immense breadth of the network across ACTION to: 1) expanded purchaser commitments, 2) Innovative Transition Financing models, 3) CSA Connector and Marketplace Exchange for matching buyers, funders and producers, and 4) community engagement and consumer marketing. ACTION plans to work closely with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and 19 RCDs which already have NRCS funding for outreach to underserved producers, as well as American Farmland Trust for outreach in CA, in CO, ACTION will work with Mile High Farmers, and in the Northeast with Black Farmer Fund, Northeast Farmers of Color, and Food Solutions New England. ACTION will deploy at least 25% of Producer Incentive Program funds to underserved producers and include information sessions available at no cost and a website with detailed FAQ, info, and dedicated phone and email assistance in English and Spanish as well as materials and services available in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
Lead Partner: The Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, Inc.
Other Major Partners: CARCD, CO Dept of Ag. Conservation Fund, General Mills, Mad Ag, ME Soil Health Network, OpenTEAM, CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Potlikker Capital, Quivira Coalition*, Stonyfield, California Certified Organic Farmers*, CFDN/RC&D, Food Solutions New England, Institute of Food Technologists - Global Food Traceability Center*,**, ME Farmland Trust, NH Conservation Commission, Organic Trade Association, Regenerative Rising, The Center for Good Food Purchasing, The Soil Inventory Project*,**, VT NOFA, OR Tilth, Our Sci, LLC*,**, SustainCert, The Organic Center, Carbon A List, Field to Market, FORA, James Beard Foundation, Sustainable Agriculture Education*,**, Zero Food Print*,**,American Farmland Trust,AgStack*,**, Point Blue*, Conservation Technology Information Center*, Digital Green*, Element84*,**, FarmOS*,**, Heartland Science and Technology Group*,**, Greenexus(LookINTO)*,**, Purdue University*, Regen Network*,**, Tech Matters*, Terran Collective*,**, The Nature Conservancy*, Open Rivers*,**,
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
Major Commodities: Beef, Dairy, Wheat, Rice, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities
This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Improving Forest Carbon Sequestration and Storage by Establishing Supply Chains for Low-Quality Wood Material and Incentivizing Sustainable Forestry Practices
This project pilots an incentives program to advance sustainable climate-smart forest management and create additional low-quality climate-smart wood market supply chains. Nearly every participant would be small scale or underserved, who would receive direct payments for retaining larger and higher quality trees. The project's partners would market the resulting climate-smart commodities, leveraging their well-established working relationships with buyers who require the low-quality wood material.
Lead Partner: AMRO United Corporation
Other Major Partners: LBS Ecological, Green Fire Forestry & Wildlife Services, Future Forest Management, Craver Logging, Welch Logging, Sawtooth Forestry
Major Commodities: Wood products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,800,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000New England Climate-Smart Forest Partnership Project
This project will implement forest management practices with large commercial producers and smaller woodlot and Tribal owners to store more carbon in the forest, quantify the resulting carbon gains, and build markets for climate-smart forest products to store carbon in wood products and substitute wood products for fossil fuel-based materials. The project aims to include Climate-smart forestry practices like reduced impact logging, timber stand improvement thinning, maintaining legacy trees and brown ash as a component of New England’s forest, as well as maintain cultural integrity and economy of First Nations. This project plans to utilize the monitoring and verification program created by AFF and TNC for the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) that provides a sophisticated methodology for determining carbon stocking and can differentiate between areas treated with practices and the surrounding landscape. The program plans to advance markets for climate-smart forest products with a focus on high-value wood in the mass timber sector. The project plans to engage affordable housing agencies across the region in utilizing mass timber construction. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production.
Lead Partner: New England Forestry Foundation**
Other Major Partners: Seven Islands, Weyerhauser, Wagner Woodlands, Baskahegan, Robbins Lumber, Pasamoquoddy Forestry Dept, UMaine*,**, Nature Conservancy, Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership, Mass Tree Farm Program, Hull Forestlands, Heyes Family Forests, Trust to Conserve Northeast forestlands*,**, American Forest Foundation*,**, Spatial informatic group*, Innov. Natural Res. Solutions*, Spritios Properties, LLC*,**, Leers Weinzapfel Assoc*,**, Quantified Ventures*,**, Woodworks*, Forest Stewards Guild, Mas Audobon, Our climate common, Highstead Foundation, Mass Forest Alliance, CT Forest & Park Assoc, Appalach. Mtn Club. Mass Woodlands Institute,Tom Walker*, John Hagen*, Daigneault Consulting*
Primary States Expected: ME, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration - A Value-Added Commodities Approach for United States Dairy. --Through this project, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) climate-smart pilots will directly connect the on-farm greenhouse gas reductions with the low-carbon dairy market opportunity. DFA will use its cooperative business model to ensure that the collective financial benefits are captured at the farm, creating a compelling opportunity to establish a powerful self-sustaining circular economy model benefiting U.S. agriculture, including underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Major Partners: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc., MyFarm, LLC, Dairy Nutrition Management and Consulting, LLC, Nestlé, Mars, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Dairy Management Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Global Dairy Platform, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, CoBank, AGPROfessionals
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $45,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
- Washington
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet WA (PDF, 303 KB)
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Incentivizing Woody Perennial Growers to Establish Cover Crops in Orchards in Four Diverse Regions of the United States
Through this project, producers with orchards would receive financial incentives and technical assistance to incorporate cover crops into their operations. Project partners plan to help market these climate-smart fruits and nuts in areas that typically have less access to fresh food. About one-third of the project participants would be smaller-sized operations and partners plan to work to include minority owned orchards.
Lead Partner: Agoro Carbon Alliance US, Inc
Other Major Partners: Agoro Carbon Alliance, California Walnut Board and Commission, GO Seed, Padilla, FoodMinds
Major Commodities: Fruits and Nuts
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,800,000Blue Carbon, Green Fields: Mobilizing Marine Algae to Benefit Sea and Soil in the Pacific Northwest
This project plans to pilot a mutually beneficial collaboration between aquatic and terrestrial farms in the Puget Sound region, revolving around the removal and reconveyance of nuisance seaweed for application as a Carbon-sequestering soil amendment. This product would be used on small, direct-to-consumer, specialty crop and diversified farms and the crops would be marketed to pre-existing regional markets that support demand for climate-smart commodities. Shellfish farmers would benefit from new revenue streams from nuisance seaweed, the value of improved shellfish health and seawater quality and the potential for new marketing opportunities and/or premiums associated with implementing a verified climate-smart practice.
Lead Partner: University of Washington
Other Major Partners: Washington State University, Viva Farms, Puget Sound Restoration Fund, Baywater Shellfish
Major Commodities: Specialty and Organic crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,865,100In partnership with Tribal leaders from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, this project would provide financial and technical support to Tribal farmers to grow cover crop seed into wheat fallow systems with adequate precipitation. GO Seed plans to purchase the climate-smart cover crop seed from participating farmers and sell it to distributors removing a financial barrier to producers that would otherwise reduce participation in growing cover crop seed. Markets would be cultivated and expanded through existing relationships with millers and exporters. All wheat marketed would have a “Climate-Smart Wheat” seal on the purchasing paperwork.
Lead Partner: Grassland Oregon
Other Major Partners: Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR); Intertribal Agriculture Council; Northwest Grain Growers; Agoro Carbon Alliance; Ace Connect LLC; Soil Health Institute; Oregon Wheat Commission, OR Wheat Grower’s League; Oregon Climate and Agriculture Network; Shoshone-Bannock Agri-Business Corp
Major Commodities: Wheat; cover crop seed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,722,000Farmer Cooperative-Led, Partnership-Driven Project for Implementing Novel Perennial Cover Crop Species in Specialty Crop Systems and Integrating with Innovative MRV and Carbon Market
In this pilot project, producers would receive cost-share, technical assistance, capital investment and marketing support for using Oakville bluegrass cover crop in their commercial specialty crop operations. In addition to the creation and sale of carbon offsets, Oakville bluegrass plantings would give producers the opportunity to engage in climate-smart insetting, the practice of applying GHG offsets to one’s own supply chain. The project partner would seek further underserved producer membership through co-op director Nav Athwal’s network of over 200 Punjabi American producers.
Lead Partner: Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative, Columbia River Seed, Vitidore, Radix Evergreen, California State University Chico
Major Commodities: Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Building the Climate-Smart Wood Economy
This project brings together Tribal, small family forest, and nonprofit wood producers with data scientists and the design and construction industry to manage and restore tens of thousands of acres in Oregon. The project will quantify the positive impacts of climate-smart management on carbon sequestration, wildfire intensity, and cultural values, and will also build resources for project teams to navigate climate-smart markets for wood procurement through pre-design, design, and construction phases and support sale. Carbon impacts of climate-smart timber purchasing is planned to be estimated by comparing the difference in carbon intensity for participating landowners against regional benchmarks of the carbon intensity of commodity timber production from industrial forestlands. Forest biomass and carbon stocks are planned to be measured using satellite imagery. A simple user-friendly web application is also planned to be scoped and developed to deliver carbon impact metrics per unit of roundwood which can then be converted into carbon impacts for specific end-products. The project work plans to recognize and make accessible the entirety of the Pacific Northwest climate-smart timber supply chain, track and trace the flow of fiber from source forests, through mills and processing, and into ten construction projects. To allow the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) community to differentiate between wood products based on forest carbon and associated ecosystem impacts, the project plans to build a simple, user-friendly web application that covers the contiguous U.S. This tool is planned to be designed with input from the intended end users, the AEC community, to ensure meeting their needs and providing them with an easy to use solution. In addition, contract payments to sawmills is planned to drive participation to grow transparency and data about log supply, as well as offer price premiums for sales of climate-smart wood to an interested buyer. Landowner sales incentives are planned to offer a premium to landowners for selling their wood to a participating sawmill. Producer payments are planned to focus on tribal partners, supporting culturally informed forest restoration work that partners would like to pursue on ancestral lands. Ecotrust also plans to engage in technical assistance and co-production of forest impact assessment deep dives involving Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV) activities with several tribes. These deep dives will characterize embodied carbon and other quantifiable impacts associated with tribal forest management. The intent of these deep dives is to increase tribal capacity and readiness to engage in marketing of tribal timber as a climate-smart commodity.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: EcoTrust*,**, Northwest Natural Resources Group*,**, Trout Mountain Forestry*,**, Vibrant Planet Data Commons*,**, Washington Conservation Action*,**, Virbrant Planet Public Benefit Corporation*,**, Pierce Conservation District*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Climate-Smart Camelina --This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Major Commodities: Camelina
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Climate-Smart Potatoes from the Pacific Northwest: Managing Soil Health for Climate-Smart Outcomes
This project will build climate-smart markets and advance adoption of climate-smart management systems in the Pacific Northwest states of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon where more than 62% of U.S. potatoes are grown and 15% of the domestic supply of seed potatoes are produced. Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification are planned to be conducted at multiple scales to: (i) verify that conservation practices are implemented, (ii) establish Soil Health and C Targets, (iii) estimate GHG emission reductions at the county/Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) level, (iv) verify GHG emission reductions at the farm field level, (v) verify soil C-sequestration estimates, changes in soil C, and changes in soil health at the farm field level, and (vi) report on the practices and their impacts on GHG emissions, C-sequestration, and soil health over the five-year project period. As a part of developing pilot markets, the project identified two companies (Threemile Canyon and Mart Produce) that are interested in investigating development of pilot markets and promotions for Climate-Smart labelled potato products. Additionally, a pilot marketplace for buyers and sellers using chain-of-custody ownership tracking via the block chain through supply chains is planned to be investigated for the potential exchange of C-credits among project participants such as contracts between producers and processors/handlers, and between processors/handlers and product purchasers. The project plans to engage independent grower networks to reach small and underserved producers and plans to work through tribal liasons and partner networks to reach tribal producers. The three partnering tribes plan to enroll approximately 50,000 acres in the program. The project will continue engaging and enrolling additional tribes throughout the life of the project. The project will provide financial assistance as well as technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Oregon State University
Other Major Partners: Oregon State University, University of Idaho*, Washington State University, Soil Health Institute*, LoCo Plus, LLC*, Seven Generations LLC*, Industrial Hemp Association of Washington, Lamb Weston, Frito-Lay, Mart Produce, Simplot, Yakama Nation: Confederated Tribes and Bands, Nez Perce Tribe*, Confederated Tribes of the Colville
Primary States Expected: ID, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Potatoes
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West
This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to verify GHG benefits. In addition, Colorado State University will study impact and adoption of climate-smart soil health practices. The project plans to use a STAR Rating System to market & receive premium for climate-smart products. Branding opportunities for STAR related products will be used. The project plans to support multiple underserved producers with financial assistance. To ensure equitable administration that includes small / underserved producers, improved understanding and awareness of climate-smart commodities among small and underserved producers, expand their access to participation and reduce market entry risk, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) and others to help guide recruitment and peer to peer learning.
Lead Partner: Colorado Department of Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District*, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts & Conservation Districts in other states*,**, Colorado Open Lands*, Colorado State University*, National Center for Appropriate Technology*, Sangre de Cristo Association of Acequias, Univ. of Idaho, Montana State Univ., New Mexico State Univ., Utah State University, Univ. of Wyoming, Audubon Society, Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, Acres USA, Quivira Coalition, Yardstick, Zero Foodprint, Bob’s Red Mill, Quinn Snacks, Groundup Consulting*,
Primary States Expected: CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WA, WY
Major Commodities: Beef, Corn, Grains
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Forest to Home --This project seeks to convert industrial timber & traditional forest product manufacturing to a BIPOC-owned supply chain for residential/commercial construction. The project will educate early adopterts in forestry, tribes, black & rural communities on benefits of climate smart forest conservation practices to maximize carbon sequestration. Timber harvested will be used to build housing units for underserved communities.
Lead Partner: Forterra NW
Major Partners: Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Yakama Nation, Quinault Tribe of Indians, El Centro de la Raza, Abu Bakr Islamic Center, RJ Group, Aspect Structural Engineers, Gordian Knot Strategies, Sustainable Northwest, Zaugg and Whitehorse Timber, Snohomish County, Town of Darrington, Port of Portland, Roslyn Downtown Assoc, Town of Hamilton, City of Tacoma, Amazon, Microsoft, X-Caliber Rural Credit
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
- Wisconsin
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet WI (PDF, 304 KB)
Climate-Smart Chicken and Feed: Scaling Climate-Smart Grain and Poultry Commodity Production as a System-Level Climate Solution for the Midwest
This project would support poultry producers who follow diversified regenerative climate-smart grain production methods incorporating small grains, no-till, and cover crops, integrated agroforestry practices. Producers may receive payments to adopt a climate-smart grain rotation for at least three years and for Organic climate-smart chicken production. Producers would receive a premium price for chickens, paid by Tree-Range Farms. Multiple strategic partners including tribal nations, immigrant-serving organizations, and other community partners plan to promote the project with underserved producers
Lead Partner: Regeneration International/Regenerative Agriculture Alliance
Other Major Partners: Regenerative Agriculture Alliance (RAA); Freshwater Society; Minnesota State University Mankato; Carleton College; Tree-Range® Farms; Makoce Agriculture Development, Oatly, Regenerative Agriculture Solutions, General Mills, Latino Economic Development Center
Major Commodities: Poultry, small grain, oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900
Growing, Marketing, and Measuring the Climate-Smart Impacts of Organic Grain & Field Crops
This multistate project plans to enroll field crop farmers already engaged in organic grain production or desiring to transition to organic systems. Each participating farmer would receive an enrollment incentive for the duration of the project that would compensate them for their time, farming expenses, implementing climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and diverse crop rotations, attending regional Grower Summits, assisting with monitoring greenhouse gas benefits on their farm, and working with Field Service Coordinators. Each producer would also work with field service coordinators and marketers to develop an Individual Marketing Plan, aimed at promoting the commodities that they are producing.
Lead Partner: Marbleseed (formerly Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Ohio Ecological Food & Farming Association (OEFFA); OFARM Cooperatives, Organic Farmers Association (OFA), Tennessee State University (TSU), Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA)
Major Commodities: Wheat, Grains, Specialty and Organic Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,500,000
Implementing Precision Ag Tech to Expand the Participation of Small Grazing Dairy Farms in Climate-Smart Commodities
This project plans to make direct payments and provide technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to implement climate-smart grazing management. The resulting climate-smart milk is planned to be marketed through a shared digital marketing campaign and tactical marketing tools to accelerate consumer awareness and build trust and industry adoption. A network of the farms are also planned to serve as training sites, enabling the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program to aid producers in expanding their positive climate impacts while generating revenue.
Lead Partner: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Inc.
Other Major Partners: Institute of Food Technologists, Taste Profit Marketing, Cedar Grove Cheese, Painterland Sisters, Uplands Cheese, Colorado State University, University of Missouri, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,770,000
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Preparing Wisconsin’s Farmers for a Climate-Smart Market
This project would advance climate-smart commodity market development by providing direct financial and technical assistance and incentives to support for implementation of climate-smart production. Minority underserved farmers who manage microfarms focused on selling products direct to consumer, through local farm to table restaurants or farmers market can develop a niche climate-smart milk market for selling healthier, higher quality milk at a premium.
Lead Partner: Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Inc.
Other Major Partners: Wisconsin Farmers Union, Pheasants Forever, Outagamie County Land Conservation, Land Cares, Brickstead Dairy, LLC, Deer Run Dairy, LLC, Seven Oaks, LLC
Primary States Expected: WI
Major Commodities: Dairy
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,994,000ADM and Partners' Climate-Smart Solutions--This project will utilize incentive payments to thousands of producers across 15 state to adopt and implement climate smart agriculture (CSA). Part of the project will include engagement of ADM's 5,000 underserved producers to promote CSA opportunities, resulting in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals. Leading partner: Archer -Daniels-Midland
Major Partners: ARTCO (wholly owned ADM subsidiary), Costco, DKY, EarthOptics, Farmers Business Network, Field to Market, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Food Works Group, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Keurig-Dr. Pepper, Mid-America Biofuels (ADM Joint Venture), National Black Growers Council, Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Peanuts, Sorghum, Flax, Hemp, Canola, Edible Beans, Pulse Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate-Smart Specialty Grains and Oilseeds: Covering America from Coast to Coast
This project increases on-farm crop rotations via a holistic management soil health protocol that results in identity preserved specialty grains and oilseeds, as well as a new category of climate-smart cover crop seed. The climate-smart specialty grains and oilseeds project will encourage farmers in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest to raise climate-smart oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina and develop related climate-smart markets. Project plans to provide technical assistance and direct financial climate-smart practice incentive payments or producer premiums for CS commodities. Partners plan to provide each underserved or small-scale producer participant a whole farm analysis enrolling more of their acres in working land conservation programs. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to quantify GHG benefits from both the contract specialty grain and oilseed fields and the resulting cover crops planted from their production. This project plans to grow five specialty crops (oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina) in a comprehensive climate-smart manner. Millborn Seeds plans to connect cover crop seed users. A target of 25% of total acres each year are planned to be reserved for underserved or small producers, ensuring that at least 25% of the incentive payments for the per bushel premium will go to these two producer groups. Additionally, an underserved rate is planned to be used for cover crop or perennial forage planting adoption, and technical assistance is planned to be provided to all participants on an individual basis. Each underserved or small producer are planned to receive a whole farm analysis from AgSpire on how more of their acres could participate in additional working lands conservation programs, beyond the enrolled acres in this project.
Lead Partner: Millborn Seeds, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: AgSpire*, EarthOptics*, High Plains Biochar, Biochar Co-Op, Value Added Agriculture Development Center, Grain Millers Inc., Iowa Cover Crop
Primary States Expected: IA,MN,MT,NE,ND,SD,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Oats, Rye, Flax, Buckwheat, Camelina, Specialty Grain, Oilseed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate Smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership
This project proposes to accelerate long-term cover crop adoption by creating a platform to incentivize farmers. The platform will quantify, verify, and facilitate the sale of ecosystem benefits, creating a marketplace to generate demand for climate-smart commodities. This project plans to support the implementation of more than 1 million acres of crop crops across 20 states. It also plans to enable corn and soybean commodity groups to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while supporting their farmer members and advancing more productive and sustainable practices, using remote sensing, satellite imagery and other data science techniques while “ground-truthing” with a statistically significant set of soil samples from participating fields and a marketplace interface powered by an integrated monitoring, reporting and verification platform. The project includes a 20 percent reserve for underserved producers and a survey plan to assist with recruitment.
Lead Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farmers for Soil Health (National Corn Growers Association, the United Soybean Board, and the National Pork Board**), National Center for Appropriate Technology*, National Association of Conservation Districts*, Soil Health Institute*, University of Missouri*, The Sustainability Consortium*, Data Transmission Network*, MBSH Consulting*.
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MI, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, ND, NC, MD, DE, NY, WI, PA, VA
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Incentivizing Climate-Smart Growing Practices, Expanding Climate-Smart Markets and Developing Brand Awareness
This project will use selected climate-smart agricultural practices to educate, train, incentivize, and measure farming practices that reduce greenhouse gases, as well as brand and develop a market for climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide small-scale grain and specialty crop growers incentive payment for implementing climate-smart practices like cover crops, residue and nutrient management and windbreaks. DeLong (& 3rd party auditor) plan to verify practice implementation using documentation and select field visits. COMET-Farm or Granular Insights system will be used to estimate GHG benefits. The project plans to create global awareness and consumer preference for CSCs through existing buyer relationships creating CSC labeling for use on consumer goods. Project partners plan to play an active role in education, outreach, and inclusion of small and underserved producers, who will also receive an additional incentive on top of the climate smart practice incentive.
Lead Partner: The DeLong Co., Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Marquis Energy*,**, Western New York Energy, Ingredion*,**, Pioneer Pet, Granular Inc.(a Corteva Agriscience Company)*,**, Agris (Greenstone)*, Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Rock County Ag Business Council*,**, Heartland Business Systems, Wisconsin and Southern Railroad, The Artisan Grain Collaborative*, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute*, Practical Farmers of Iowa*,**
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000Industrial Hemp for Fiber and Grain
This project aims to expand climate-smart markets and remedy lack of available data on environmentally beneficial practices for hemp production by providing open-accessible data and training and enabling monetization of climate-smart practices through a pilot designation in a digital marketplace. Additionally, this project develops an inclusive workforce that specializes in implementation of climate-smart practices by engaging underserved producers and financially supporting them as they learn these practices. Project plans to provide participating underserved producers an incentive payment, technical assistance, marketing assistance, and the revenue from the climate-smart hemp produced. Planned practices include cover crops and nutrient management.
Lead Partner: Iconoclast Industries, LLC**
Other Major Partners: Cedar Meadow Farm LLC*, University of Florida*, Stockton University*, Florida Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, SB Friedman Development Advisors, M4MM*, Canndigenous, EntreVation LLC, Legacy Farms Group, Delta Agriculture*, Auredia*, Validere*, Bravo Logistics, Highway Vodka
Primary States Expected: CO, FL, NE, NY, OK, PA, TX, VA, WI
Major Commodities: Hemp
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program
This project will build markets and provide funding to farmers via outcome-based contracts for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide through the adoption of new climate-smart practices. The remaining project funding will support farmer enrollment assistance, carbon quantification, technical assistance support, measurement, reporting and verification, and underserved farmer outreach and enrollment. Monitoring for this project is planned to include remote sensing, field inspections, farmer operational records, field audits and soil sampling. They plan to account for and track both nitrous oxide (N2O) emission reductions and soil carbon sequestration separately at the field level. The project also plans to reserve 20% of contracts for underserved populations supported by dedicated conservation agronomist technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Iowa Soybean Association
Other Major Partners: PepsiCo**, Cargill**, Renewable Energy Group**, Ingredion**, Target**, JBS**, Coca-Cola**, FarmRaise, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, AgOutcomes*
Primary States Expected: IL, IN, IA, KS, NE, ND, OH, WI, SD, MO, MI, MN
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sugar Beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $95,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand)
This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. The Soil Inventory Project (TSIP) will measure, monitor, report, and verify soil carbon sequestration. TSIP and The Meridian Institute will monitor aboveground carbon via the reimbursement process and reliable pre-existing estimates (COMET). TSIP will summarize MMRV work on a yearly basis and share with project partners and the USDA. TSIP will report GHG benefits per farm, per project, per commodity, and per dollar expended basis. The geospatial data layers generated under this proposal will be available for integration into further scalable modeling tools like the COMET planner as a resource for producers interested in implementing CSAF. By defining and delivering specific and market-ready Climate-Smart Commodities impact quantifications, this partnership will catalyze consumer demand for climate-smart row crop commodities, fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and wine, empowering producers. Over 25% of the funding is planned to go to small/underserved producers. Particular outreach will be conducted to enroll small producers, including first generation immigrant farmers in New York and BIPOC farmers in North Carolina.
Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
Other Major Partners: The Soil Inventory Project, Corteva Agriscience, Jackson Family Wines, Cakebread Cellars, A to Z Wineworks, Medlock Ames, Ridge Vineyards, Hunt Country Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Spottswoode Estate and Vineyard & Winery, Crimson Wine Group, The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Nature4Justice, Vayda
Primary States Expected: CA, NY, NC, OR, WA, ND, SD,WI, IN, MI, MN, IA, MO, NE, OK
Major Commodities: Grapes, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Row Crops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships--This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component.
Lead Partner: Carbon A List LLC
Major Partners: Danone North America, over 350 independent U.S. Farmers, Target, Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), University of Wisconsin, Verra, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Inc., Scoular, Swampy Hollow Farms, McCarty Oats, Lakeview Organic Grains
Major Commodities: Dairy, Soy, Oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
- West Virginia
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet WV (PDF, 303 KB)
Grazing Regeneratively for Appalachian Sustainable Solutions
Underserved farmers would receive financial and technical assistance to support the transition from typical livestock systems management to climate-smart practices. Practices implemented include land management plans, prescribed grazing, bale grazing, native grass and silvopasture establishment, incorporation of legumes and non-leguminous forbs, and use of traditional and novel soil amendments, such as biochar. The project would provide producers with marketing assistance for grass-fed beef products as long as producers meet required criteria of certifications and product quality.
Lead Partner: West Virginia University Research Corporation
Other Major Partners: West Virginia University (WVU), Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, West Virginia State University, The West Virginia Conservation Agency (WVCA), The Soil and Water Conservation Division of Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (VaDCR-SWCD), Hickory Nut Gap (HNG)
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,795,300Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000Building Soil, Building Equity: Accelerating a Regenerative Farming Movement in Appalachia and the Southeast
This project seeks to build climate-smart markets and sequester carbon over thousands of acres of Appalachian and rural southeastern land through strategic recruitment from networks of producers. The project will use education, outreach, technical assistance, and incentivizing producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts. COMET-Planner will be used to determine estimates of activity impact on GHG, COMET-Farmer will be used to build out a historical and plot specific report. Soil carbon testing, through Kansas State University will allow producers to monitor increases in soil carbon sequestration over time in their climate-smart implementation plots, and Working Trees, a venture out of Stanford University using smartphone cameras and LiDAR, satellite remote sensing, and machine learning to empower producers to monitor the carbon impact of agroforestry efforts.
Lead Partner: Accelerating Appalachia
Other Major Partners: National Center for Appropriate Technologies*, Kentucky State University*,**, Working Trees from Stanford University’s TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy*, Carbon Harvest*,GRC Advising*,**, Latin Talent Accelerator*
Primary States Expected: GA, KY, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV
Major Commodities: Fruit and Vegetables, Row Crops, Beef, Pork, Cotton, Wool & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program: Building a Multi-stakeholder Path to Produce, Market and Promote Climate-Smart Commodities Across the U.S.
This project will expand climate-smart markets and help finance partnerships and incentivize farmers to advance the Organic Valley Carbon Insetting Program. Organic Valley will use two strategies to reduce supply chain emissions: mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, focusing specifically on dairy and eggs as the climate-smart commodities. The project plans to provide participating producers, mostly underserved producers, incentives for climate-smart practices like cover crops, reduced and no-till, prescribed grazing and soil amendments. Project plans to execute market and sales strategies of climate-smart dairy and egg products in branded Organic Valley products and in ingredients and bulk products. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. OV-CIP will follow an innovative, best practice approach to Scope 3 value-chain GHG intervention quantification. CSAF practices and farm level carbon accounting will be validated and verified according to standards established by the Global GHG Protocol. COMET-Farm and/or COMET- Planner will be used to quantify GHG benefits for all CSAF practices currently available in the COMET modules. COMET-Energy will be used for energy practices. The project team has expertise with the suite of COMET tools. USDA’s Entity Scale Methods will be used to quantify GHG benefits for practices not included in the COMET tools. Over 95 percent of farmers participating in the project are anticipated to be small and/or underserved farmers.
Lead Partner: Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools**
Other Major Partners: Good Company*, SustainCERT*, PUR Project, Yardstick*, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Planet Labs**, American Farmland Trust*, Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center*, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.*, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay*, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Carissa Stein Consulting*, GDS Engineering*, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District*, Interlace Commons*, Sarah Flack Consulting*, Savanna Institute*, Sonoma Resource Conservation District*, Trees for Graziers*, Stonyfield Organic**, Nancy’s Organic/Springfield Creamery**, General Mills/Annie’s, Lasso Solutions, Inc. **, Working Trees**
Primary States Expected: CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, IA, IL, MN, MO, SD, WI, IN, KY, MI, OH, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Major Commodities: Dairy, Eggs
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI)-This project will address the relationship between family forest owners, the forest products industry, and broader climate goals across the eastern US. The goal is to build a region-wide CSC forest program that leverages the field-tested Family Forest Carbon Program, an engaged and trusted landowner network, and advanced digital forestry tools to engage traditional and underserved partners and advance the production and marketing of CSC forest products.
Lead Partner: American Forest Foundation
Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Purdue University, Center for Heirs Property Preservation, Women Owning Woodlands
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Expanding Agroforestry Production and Markets
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase capital investments in tree planting that will increase the supply of agroforestry commodities utilizing a network of leaders in forestry. This will work directly with manufacturers and retailers to connect potential buyers with producers (including underserved producers). Project plans to provide 95 percent cost-share to participating underserved producers implanting climate-smart practices. Partners also aim to work with trade organization to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-producers” label which will bring a price premium to producers. The project plans to utilize the USDA’s COMET-Planner tool to estimate GHG reductions for the proposed agroforestry project. All data collected during the project are planned to be stored in Propagate’s Overyield platform, providing producers and TSPs access to all data required for GHG benefit verification. Verra’s Afforestation/Reforestation of Agricultural Lands methodology will also used for verification of GHG benefits for producers seeking to sell carbon credits on the voluntary market. The project aims to help negotiate contracts with commercial buyers for the harvested produce or timber and profit-sharing agreements with investors and producers and plans to work with trade organizations to develop certification standards for an “agroforestry-produced” label, for which consumers and manufacturers will be willing to pay a price premium. The project’s qualification process plans to prioritize underserved and small producers and provide 95% cost-share for implementation for underserved producers.
Lead Partner: The Nature Conservancy
Other Major Partners: Propagate*,**, Savanna Institute*, Tuskegee University*, University of MO Center for Agroforestry*, VA Tech*, Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative*, Appalachian Sustainable Development*, Canopy Farm Management, Cargill, Handsome Brook Farm*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Practical Farmers of IA*, Resource Environmental Solutions, Sustainable Farming Association*, Trees Forever*, Trees for Graziers*, University of Illinois, Association For Temperate Agroforestry, Osage Nation, Agroforestry Partners, Live Oak Bank, Walnut Level Capital, Yard Stick*, Propagate, Working Trees*, University of Hawaii, Cargill, Danone, Applegate, Epic Institute*, General Mills, Current Cassis, Simple Mills, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, 1890 Consortium, AgLaunch Early Adopter Network, Lincoln University, FarmRaise*, University of Vermont - Extension*, NY Tree Crop Alliance*, Mānoa’s Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory*
Primary States Expected: AL, CT, DE, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Major Commodities: Nuts, Berries, Beef, Fruit Trees, Forest Products, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
- Wyoming
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet WY (PDF, 303 KB)
Measuring the Climate Benefits and Emissions of Prescribed Sheep Grazing, and Promoting the Consumption of Climate-Smart Lamb
The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.
Lead Partner: American Lamb Board
Other Major Partners: Capra Ranch, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc, John Helle, Schoeder Grazing Company, American Lamb Board, Resource Environmental Solutions and the Mammoth North Solar Grazing Pilot, American Sheep Industry Association, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management, National Grazing Lands Coalition, American Solar Grazing Association, California Lamb Board, Superior Farms, Fibershed, Carbon Cycle Institute, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Montana State University, Texas A&M
Major Commodities: Sheep
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,995,000
Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.
Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Climate Beneficial Fiber: Building New, Accessible, and Equitable Market Opportunities for Climate-Smart Cotton and Wool
This project will expand the existing Climate Beneficial™ fiber program: a system for sequestering carbon, regenerating soil health and resilience, improving social equity, and bolstering America's ability to produce climate-smart fiber. A newly created, open-source, Carbon Farm Planning and Verification Platform will streamline climate-smart agriculture planning and verification for producers, verifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The project plans to have a trained Planner monitor implementation, ensuring that practices are implemented in accordance with practice standard criteria linked to the COMET tools. A Portal database architecture is planned to allow for anticipated and realized GHG benefits to be queried by project, region, commodity, or dollar expended, allowing these data to be aggregated and analyzed at various scales. Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation.
Within each fiber commodity and region, the project plans to help producers negotiate a price premium that provides enhanced commodity value for Climate Beneficial fiber while building stronger and more resilient direct market relationships. Our approach is informed by market pricing thresholds and production costs that include the price of Carbon Farm Planning and implementation. This project aims to meet the equity goals of the Justice40 Initiative, directing at least 40% of project benefits to small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource, and women farmers, as well as producers growing specialty crops.
Lead Partner: National Center for Appropriate Technology, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Carbon Cycle Institute*,**, Colorado State University Dept of Soil and Crop Sciences*, Fibershed*,**, Seed 2 Shirt*,**, New York Textile Lab*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, GA, IN, MT, NC, NY, SD, TN, WY
Major Commodities: Sheep, Wool, Cotton
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000
Climate-Smart Camelina --This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Major Commodities: Camelina
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Climate-Smart Specialty Grains and Oilseeds: Covering America from Coast to Coast
This project increases on-farm crop rotations via a holistic management soil health protocol that results in identity preserved specialty grains and oilseeds, as well as a new category of climate-smart cover crop seed. The climate-smart specialty grains and oilseeds project will encourage farmers in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest to raise climate-smart oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina and develop related climate-smart markets. Project plans to provide technical assistance and direct financial climate-smart practice incentive payments or producer premiums for CS commodities. Partners plan to provide each underserved or small-scale producer participant a whole farm analysis enrolling more of their acres in working land conservation programs. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to quantify GHG benefits from both the contract specialty grain and oilseed fields and the resulting cover crops planted from their production. This project plans to grow five specialty crops (oats, rye, flax, buckwheat, and winter camelina) in a comprehensive climate-smart manner. Millborn Seeds plans to connect cover crop seed users. A target of 25% of total acres each year are planned to be reserved for underserved or small producers, ensuring that at least 25% of the incentive payments for the per bushel premium will go to these two producer groups. Additionally, an underserved rate is planned to be used for cover crop or perennial forage planting adoption, and technical assistance is planned to be provided to all participants on an individual basis. Each underserved or small producer are planned to receive a whole farm analysis from AgSpire on how more of their acres could participate in additional working lands conservation programs, beyond the enrolled acres in this project.
Lead Partner: Millborn Seeds, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: AgSpire*, EarthOptics*, High Plains Biochar, Biochar Co-Op, Value Added Agriculture Development Center, Grain Millers Inc., Iowa Cover Crop
Primary States Expected: IA,MN,MT,NE,ND,SD,WI,WY
Major Commodities: Oats, Rye, Flax, Buckwheat, Camelina, Specialty Grain, Oilseed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000
Connected Ag Climate-Smart Commodities Pilot Project--This project will expand climate-smart markets for many agricultural commodities and provide direct payments, technical assistance, and data management strategies to producers of row crops, beef, dairy, pork, and other commodities to adopt climate-smart practices and strategies.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal, Inc
Major Partners: Tuskegee University, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AGI/Farmobile, AgriWebb, Certis Biologicals, Ducks Unlimited, Farm Journal Foundation, National Pork Board, SIMPAS, The Sustainability Consortium, Trimble
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Potatoes, Beef, Dairy, Pork, Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $40,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate-smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West
This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to verify GHG benefits. In addition, Colorado State University will study impact and adoption of climate-smart soil health practices. The project plans to use a STAR Rating System to market & receive premium for climate-smart products. Branding opportunities for STAR related products will be used. The project plans to support multiple underserved producers with financial assistance. To ensure equitable administration that includes small / underserved producers, improved understanding and awareness of climate-smart commodities among small and underserved producers, expand their access to participation and reduce market entry risk, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) and others to help guide recruitment and peer to peer learning.
Lead Partner: Colorado Department of Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District*, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts & Conservation Districts in other states*,**, Colorado Open Lands*, Colorado State University*, National Center for Appropriate Technology*, Sangre de Cristo Association of Acequias, Univ. of Idaho, Montana State Univ., New Mexico State Univ., Utah State University, Univ. of Wyoming, Audubon Society, Colorado Corn Administrative Committee, Acres USA, Quivira Coalition, Yardstick, Zero Foodprint, Bob’s Red Mill, Quinn Snacks, Groundup Consulting*,
Primary States Expected: CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WA, WY
Major Commodities: Beef, Corn, Grains
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Low Carbon Beef USDA Pilot Program: A Fully Integrated Lifecycle Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Beef Cattle at Commercial Scale--This project will help to implement climate-smart methods in beef production, reducing GHG emissions and generating carbon credit revenue for producers.
Lead Partner: Low Carbon Beef LLC.
Major Partners: Low Carbon Beef, ABS Global, Where Food Comes From Inc, AgSpire and Millborn Seeds Inc, Tiffany Cattle Co Inc, Missouri Prime Beef Packers, Alga Biosciences, Vytelle USA, Elanco Animal Health Inc, Helical Solar Solutions LLC
Major Commodities: Beef, Grass
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Reducing GHG Emissions and Improving Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential through High-Carbon Soil Amendment
This pilot project will support expansion of climate-smart markets and implementation of climate-smart practices to augment conservation Best Management Practices and generate reference data to support development of regionally optimized ecosystem services models. The geographic focus of this project (CO, NE, WY, MT) has naturally low basal soil organic carbon, which means greater sequestration potential. Western Sugar Cooperative will use its close ties to the farmer and access to extensive production records to conduct high-level impact modeling using COMET to educate growers and build momentum for broad participation in an ecosystem services exchange. This project focuses on creating new value for Climate-Smart Sugar. Sugar users desire sustainable sugar. Fulfillment of most sugar user’s quantitative corporate sustainability goals relies heavily on domestic farmers. Currently, impact tracking is taxing for farmers, has high degrees of uncertainty, and likely results in double counting within the value chain. Using the cooperative structure to co-market ecosystem services will create competition for these valuable GHG benefits by allowing the farmers to fulfill a greater diversity of demand (e.g., CPGs, retailers, off-sets, public, etc.) and eventually spur incentives from the users of the Climate-Smart sugar. Farmers meeting the USDA definition of historically underserved are planned to receive 125% of the incentive with a 150% incentive for any implementation on Crow Tribe cropland: two-thirds to the farmer and one-third to the landowner.
Lead Partner: The Western Sugar Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Crow Tribe, Panhandle Research and Extension Center at the University of Nebraska*,**; Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion at University of Wyoming**; Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center; Colorado State University*
Primary States Expected: CO, MT, NE, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sugar beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $6,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000The Growing GRASS & Climate-Smart Value-Added U.S. Commodity Markets Project (Growing GRASS Project)--This multi-year project will pilot, test and evaluate how the GRASS supply chain can be optimized for value and climate performance from farm and ranch to markets, starting with the greenhouse gas benefits of grazing systems.
Lead Partner: American Sustainable Business Institute Inc.
Major Partners: Roots of Change, CA Cattlemen’s Association, American Grassfed Association, Pure Strategies, UC Davis Food Systems Lab, IC-Foods, Autocase, Health Research Institute Labs, Other Half Processing SBC, Regenerative Rising, Lookin.to, Textile Exchange,
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
Tyson Foods, Inc. Climate-Smart Commodities Project --This project will expand climate-smart markets and increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions in the production of beef and row crops for livestock feed. Small and underserved producers will receive technical assistance and incentive payments to increase their capacity to reduce emissions and adopt climate-smart practices.
Lead Partner: Tyson Foods, Inc
Major Partners: Tyson, Bayer, USFRA, Griffith Foods, Scoular, Landus, ALCC, McDonald's, Deloitte Consulting, Where Food Comes From, Iowa Select, WBCSD, Native American Tribal Communities.
Major Commodities: Beef, Poultry, Pork, Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $60,000,000
- Territories
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet CNMI (PDF, 298 KB)
Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet GU (PDF, 298 KB)
Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet VI
Commodities and Practices to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Pacific Island Agriculture and Forestry Systems
This project plans to market climate-smart commodities and achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions in Pacific Island agriculture and forestry systems while improving affordable food and nutrition security of disadvantaged, at-risk, island communities. Partners plan to employ an inter-disciplinary, culturally sensitive approach when working with local farmers and forestry managers. Technical workshops are planned to showcase various climate-smart practices and underserved producers and landowners are planned to receive stipends for participating in the project. Partners plan to conduct market research to better understand emerging and untapped markets and customer’s willingness to pay (WTP) for climate-smart commodities.
Lead Partner: University of Guam
Other Major Partners: Renato, Ryan, Isagani, Jesus, Agriculture Research Station CNMI, Taiwan Farm, Happy Farm, Government of Guam, Island View, Meda, Bernard Watson, Katrina Reyes, Aguon Takai, Marlene Rivo
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,999Hispanic Climate-Smart Commodities Initiative
This project plans to work with Puerto Rico and Florida Hispanic pasture and forage farmers to diversify and increase production while managing climate-smart farming methods and quantifying environmental outcomes. Project partners would address cultural and language barriers to provide technical assistance for implementing practices and marketing their beef in new revenue streams. Farmers with under 100 acres under management would be offered a higher flat fee per year.
Lead Partner: Victus Puerto Rico Inc
Other Major Partners: mano-Y-ola, LLC, Bien-Estar Agrícola LLC PR, Fundación Santa Elena de la Sabana Inc PR, Ponce Municipal Administration PR
Major Commodities: Fruit, Vegetables & Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,926,300NCBA CLUSA USDA NRCS CSC Proposal Narrative – Puerto Rico
This project will lead a consortium of cooperatives, farmer organizations, and minority serving institutions in Puerto Rico that will offer financial incentives to underserved farmers to adopt climate- smart agriculture and forestry practices for production of coffee and other commodities, building climate-smart markets. The project plans to implement a wide variety of on-the-ground climate-smart practices including reduced tillage, strip-tillage, biochar amendments, and cover crops. The project aims to increase resilience for smallholders Puerto Rican coffee farmers, their families, and their communities by increasing the diversification of crops grown in Multi-story Perennial Cropping systems. Given that Puerto Ricans rely on imports for more than 85% their food supply, farmers’ ability to expand into citrus, plantains, bananas, cacao, and other crops for local and for home consumption would have significant economic and food security benefits. Due to limitation of USDA’s COMET Planner in PR, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or other U.S. Territories, the project plans to use the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) Carbon Calculator (http://afolucarbon.org). Developed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Winrock International, the AFOLU Carbon Calculator (ACC) uses Intergovernmental Panel on Climate CO2 Change (IPCC)-based accounting methods to assess and quantify sequestration potential of a range of AFOLU practices, including agroforestry, cropland management, and grazing land management. Third-party verifier SustainCERT plans to verify the greenhouse gas benefits generated by the project and its associated processes. NCBA CLUSA plans to work with several commodity buyers to market CSCs produced through this pilot project (large market chains, National Restaurant Association, hospitality sector, and McDonalds). The PRFA has a “100% Puerto Rico” seal it uses for locally produced products and has agreed to extend the seal for 100% PR Climate-Smart Coffee for differentiation. The project also plans to engage Rainforest Alliance, a leading third-party certifier for certification of CSAF coffee for export to external markets. Beyond the quantifiable benefits to farmers’ bottom lines, the diversification of crops grown in Multi-story Perennial Cropping systems would increase resilience for smallholders Puerto Rican coffee farmers, their families, and their communities. Given that Puerto Ricans rely on imports for more than 85% their food supply, farmers’ ability to expand into citrus, plantains, bananas, cacao, and other crops for local and for home consumption would have significant economic and food security benefits. PROCAFÉ estimates that this project would enroll thousands of coffee farmers in PR (where the vast majority of producers are underserved).
Lead Partner: Cooperative League of the United States of America
Other Major Partners: Productores de Café de Puerto Rico*, University of Puerto Rico*, National Co+op Grocers, Fondo de Inversión y Desarrollo Cooperativo, La Liga de Cooperativas de Puerto Rico*, Puerto Rico Farmers Association, SustainCERT*
Primary States Expected: PR
Major Commodities: Coffee, Citrus, Plantains, Bananas, Cacao, Lumber
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000Sustainable Market Approaches for Regenerating Territories with Agricultural Goods in Puerto Rico
The project will support and empower smallholder coffee farmers in Puerto Rico to transition to climate- smart agriculture and forestry practices through identification of viable practices and support for their implementation on farms. The project will also account of greenhouse gas-related benefits and co- benefits throughout the supply chain and develop of a unique Puerto Rican branded climate-smart coffee label and voluntary program. This project plans to focus on implementing agroforestry and afforestration practices on working lands, application of biochar as a soil amendment and multi-story cropping. Caribbean Regenerative Community Development(CRCD), Gnarly Tree Sustainable Institute (GTSI), and University of Wisconsin plan to co-establish the MMRV plan and local monitoring teams, coordinate baseline and follow-up data collection, build databases useful for the implementation of COMET-Planner and iTree on agricultural lands in PR, and engage with local universities to support student research opportunities and data collection; this task would encompass field monitoring, primarily through soil sampling and testing, as well as the development of lifecycle carbon accounting methodologies. The team also plans to evaluate MMRV methodologies that may support participants’ entry into carbon markets. CRCD and GTSI plan to partner to develop a climate-smart certification brand for Puerto Rican coffee and chocolate. CRCD’s marketing specialist plan to spearhead the development of the name and tagline, design a climate-smart certification that is in line with or exceeds third party certification standards, develop the brand story, provide product validation of the name, language, and design in both Spanish and English, create a brand website and social media starter kit, and launch a brand activation program to generate interest and excitement in PR’s premium quality, ethical, and sustainable coffee; GTSI and CRCD plan to ensure the climate-smart certification is in line with or exceeds third party certification standards and lead outreach and recruitment efforts with farmers. A woman-led 501(c)(3) non-profit founded and based in Puerto Rico that supports the development of sustainable agriculture and food security on the island plans to focus on small and underserved coffee producers in Puerto Rico.
Lead Partner: Caribbean Regenerative Community Development, Inc.**
Other Major Partners: Gnarly Tree Sustainability Institute*,**, University of Wisconsin*, Cafiesencia (Cafi-Cultura Puertorriqueña, Inc)*,**, University of Puerto Rico
Primary States Expected: PR
Major Commodities: Coffee, Cacao
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,500,000
- Tribal
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Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities State Fact Sheet Tribal (PDF, 312 KB)
Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large-scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and historically underserved producers. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in CropTrak®, which offers a proprietary cloud and mobile platform to help food and beverage companies increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of their supply chain. Once this data is entered, related greenhouse gas emissions and GHG emission reductions are planned to be calculated through third-party calculators integrated into the USDA COMET-Farm platform. Elevated plans to leverage its expertise in marketing and branding to pilot a climate-smart branding program for participating producers, to broadly communicate the value of climate-smart fruits and vegetables with customers in multiple market sectors from farmers’ markets consumers to global retailers. Materials created through this effort are planned to include branded stickers for produce; branded produce bags and boxes; and the development of videos, social media promotions, and printed materials to share the value of climate-smart produce with consumers. The project plans to commit at least 25 percent of budgeted funds for producer incentives to support small and historically underserved fruit and vegetable producers.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods**
Other Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture*, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag*, Soil Health Academy*, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak*, Decade Impact*, Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops*
Primary States Expected: AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, SC, TN, Tribal
Major Commodities: Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000Climate-Smart Farming and Marketing: Engaging in Community-Science and Practice from Maine to South Carolina
This project brings together 20 farming and agroforestry organizations, serving over 20,000 small to mid- scale and underserved farmers who are uniquely impacted by climate change. The project will include soil health and financial benchmark community science; peer-to-peer learning and support; expanded implementation of climate-smart practices; carbon benefits calculation and verification; and income stream innovations that result in increased sales from farms and forest lands that use and promote climate-smart practices. The project will implement data tracking through farmOS and SurveyStack which have standard and customizable data structures for environmental and practice monitoring to meet the production system-specific needs, ans these tools integrate with Cool Farm, COMET-Farm, Cover Crop Explorer, and a customizable benchmarking data dashboard called the Farmers CoffeeShop. To further connect climate-smart products with buyers, the project will enhance the FoodShed Mapping tool through a REST API integration. The FoodShed Mapping tool, (powered by MarketMaker a digital platform and database of farm and food businesses) will enable buyers to search for and purchase from farms through a “climate-smart” tag, coordinating local and regional food supply chains by matching farm products with demand. The project is committed to integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism into their culture, programs, and services as well as ensuring they adopt the training, policies, practices, planning, and resources to do this work. The lead partner will hold their partners accountable for these same commitments. The project is partnering with Indigenous peoples throughout the region to ensure culturally appropriate technical services and training.In addition the project is partnering with Spanish-speaking farmers to provide language equity in marketing, training, and outreach.
Lead Partner: Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture**
Other Major Partners: Carolina Farm Stewardship Association*, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture*, OurSci-SurveyStack/FarmOS*, Future Harvest*, Maine Farmland Trust*, ME Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association*, Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) - CT, MA*, NH, NJ*, NY*, RI, VT*, OpenTEAM*, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Ramapough Lunaape Nation Turtle Clan, Kimberton Whole Foods, Kitchen Table Consultants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Food MarketMaker Program, Pa Flax, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture**, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PA Soil Health Coalition, Stroud Water Resource Center, TeamAg, Ramapough Lenape*, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape*, Houlton Band of Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Pocasset Pokanoket, Powhatan Renape, Pocasset WampanoagPrimary States Expected: CT, DC, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, VT, WV, VA, tribes
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Flax, Livestock, Agroforestry, Specialty crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000Building a Regenerative Ranching Economy in the West
This project will expand climate-smart markets for beef and implement climate-smart grazing practices in beef production for 120 operations across 13 states, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing market returns for participants. The project will use IPCC Tier 1 approach to estimating methane. Also, will use N2O & methane from soil & manure, soil carbon density & look at remote sensing methods while grazing forages and crop residues. The project plans to track cattle through the supply chain. A few partners will be engaged to provide climate-smart corn, wheat and other grain residue for finishing the cattle. The project will pay premium prices which will result in additional revenue to producers based on the climate-smart practices implemented to grow the beef cattle. 75% of participants are projected to be small to mid-sized family operations including 35 small producers & 700,000 acres managed by Tribal producers.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: Country Natural Beef*, Beef Northwest*,**, Northway Ranch Services*, Quantis International*, Stockpot Collective*, Washington State University, Colorado State University, RaboResearch & Food Agribusiness-North America, Utah State University*
Primary States Expected: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $10,000,000Iowa Tribe Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA) Innovation Pilot Program
The Center for Excellence in Regenerative Native Agriculture Pilot Program plans to educate Native American participants on climate-smart practices, provide long lasting benefits to soil and water health through climate-smart practices, and expand markets for climate-smart commodities. The CERNA Project plans to provide each producer annual incentives and premium payments and a one-time financial assistance payment for the necessary education and training needed to implement climate-smart practices. Additionally, CERNA plans to directly support farmers by purchasing 100 percent of all eligible climate-smart commodities produced under this project, which would hold the “Regenified” label under premium contracts.Lead Partner: Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Other Major Partners: Terramera, Regenified, Understanding Ag, Soil Health Academy, John Deere Director of Emerging Technology, Taste Profit Marketing, Oatly, Cooks Ventures, Global Processing, Bratney, Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri, Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Grey Snow Management Solutions, The Akana Group, The Intertribal Ag Council
Major Commodities: Corn, Soy, Fruit, Vegetables and Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,700Climate-Smart Chicken and Feed: Scaling Climate-Smart Grain and Poultry Commodity Production as a System-Level Climate Solution for the Midwest
This project would support poultry producers who follow diversified regenerative climate-smart grain production methods incorporating small grains, no-till, and cover crops, integrated agroforestry practices. Producers may receive payments to adopt a climate-smart grain rotation for at least three years and for Organic climate-smart chicken production. Producers would receive a premium price for chickens, paid by Tree-Range Farms. Multiple strategic partners including tribal nations, immigrant-serving organizations, and other community partners plan to promote the project with underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Regeneration International/Regenerative Agriculture Alliance
Other Major Partners: Regenerative Agriculture Alliance (RAA); Freshwater Society; Minnesota State University Mankato; Carleton College; Tree-Range® Farms; Makoce Agriculture Development, Oatly, Regenerative Agriculture Solutions, General Mills, Latino Economic Development Center
Major Commodities: Poultry, small grain, oats
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,900
Cover Crop Seed Production Grown with Climate-Smart Wheat
In partnership with Tribal leaders from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, this project would provide financial and technical support to Tribal farmers to grow cover crop seed into wheat fallow systems with adequate precipitation. GO Seed plans to purchase the climate-smart cover crop seed from participating farmers and sell it to distributors removing a financial barrier to producers that would otherwise reduce participation in growing cover crop seed. Markets would be cultivated and expanded through existing relationships with millers and exporters. All wheat marketed would have a “Climate-Smart Wheat” seal on the purchasing paperwork.
Lead Partner: Grassland Oregon
Other Major Partners: Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR); Intertribal Agriculture Council; Northwest Grain Growers; Agoro Carbon Alliance; Ace Connect LLC; Soil Health Institute; Oregon Wheat Commission, OR Wheat Grower’s League; Oregon Climate and Agriculture Network; Shoshone-Bannock Agri-Business Corp
Major Commodities: Wheat; cover crop seed
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,722,000
Improving Access to Grazing Resources for Native American Farmers and Ranchers
Native American farmers and ranchers would receive technical assistance and education, and at least $1 million in direct payments to support the adoption of climate-smart practices like rotational grazing and planting of native grasses. Partners plan to assist participants with validating greenhouse gas emission reductions and marketing climate-smart commodities, including creating marketable emission offsets or credits.
Lead Partner: Farm Journal Agricultural Foundation
Other Major Partners: Farm Journal Foundation, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, and the Yield Lab Institute
Major Commodities: Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,925,000
The Building Climate Success by Empowering Humans to Care for our Natural Resources
Through this project, tribal and other underserved producers would receive financial assistance for adopting climate-smart practices for livestock and pecan production in Oklahoma. Project partners plan to create tools and partnerships for enrollees to market climate-smart products, including the creation of a climate-smart marketing class session and other resources.
Lead Partner: Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts Incorporated
Other Major Partners: Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD), the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC), the Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project (OBHRPI), the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Conservation District, the Choctaw Nation Conservation District, and the Oklahoma Department of Forestry
Major Commodities: Pecans, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,900,000
Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership
This Proximity Climate-Smart Partnership plans to financially assist farms, and other partners, in developing and implementing regenerative barley practices and building a climate-smart barley market. Participating producers, who meet the science-backed certification requirements, would receive an additional percent premium over conventional barley contract pricing plus an annual transition incentive during the project. Funds may be used farmers to obtain equipment necessary for transitioning to regenerative barley. A percentage of funds, partially used for subsidizing verification services, would be set aside specifically for small and underserved farmers who would receive priority.
Lead Partner: Proximity Malt LLC
Other Major Partners: Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC); Grey Snow Management Solutions: An Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Company; New Belgium Brewing; Brown-Forman; Brewers Association; Founders Brewing Company; Odell Brewing Company
Major Commodities: Barley
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,999,500
Recognizing the Role of Buffalo Production as a Climate-Smart Commodity
Partners plan to distribute project funding to 76 Tribes to incentivize their use of climate-smart practices related to buffalo herds. The Tribal Buffalo Market Initiative (TBMI) plans to assist Tribes in marketing their buffalo as a climate-smart commodity, develop sustainable programs for historically underserved Tribal buffalo producers and create a Tribally led national strategy for education and outreach of buffalo as a climate-smart agricultural product.
Lead Partner: InterTribal Buffalo Council
Other Major Partners: The Nature Conservancy, North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center
Major Commodities: Buffalo
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,950,00
Southwest Hub of the Western Working Lands Climate-Smart Network
The Southwest Climate-Smart Working Lands Hub plans to empower Southwest tribal beef and pork producers and their trusted partners to collectively develop, implement, monitor, quantify and broker climate-smart livestock projects. Participants would benefit from reduced transaction costs and retaining more value of their goods and services in local communities. Through partnerships, the project would provide expertise on data collection and analysis and provide highly skilled sampling teams. The project would provide participants culturally-relevant technical assistance and assistance with entering and navigating the ecosystem service marketplace.
Lead Partner: Western Landowners Alliance
Other Major Partners: Working Lands Conservation, Indian Nations Conservation Alliance
Major Commodities: beef; pork
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $4,997,900
Waste to Plate: Building Circular Economies and Shorter Supply Chains for Livestock Reared on Regenerating Dryland Range with Organic Amendments
Quivira Coalition and partners plans to work with project participants to produce biochar and compost and them on degraded rangeland to enhance ecological function, carbon sequestration, and forage production Each producer would receive a stipend to support their time towards producing, deploying, monitoring, and communicating with technical support providers, host fees to support the workshop, and supplies. This project would provide direct technical support to help producers finish animals on grass, optimize carcasses for their particular customer base, and build the tools, such as an online shopping cart or a social media presence, for region-based marketing.
Lead Partner: Quivira Coalition
Other Major Partners: Reunity Resources, Trollworks, Wilson Biocha, Southwest Grassfed Livestock Alliance, Good Meat Project, Polk’s Folly Farm, Kathryn Bedell, Creighton Robinson, Dixon Water Foundation, Weaver Ranch, Colorado State University, Dixon Water Foundation; Trilogy Beef Community; Roan Creck Ranch
Major Commodities: Grassfed beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $3,536,000Building a Climate-Smart Domestic Rubber Industry and a Solution for Growers to a Water Crisis
This project will expand natural rubber production in the Southwest with lowered greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs in the region and for tribal stakeholders, and building a climate-smart rubber bioeconomy based on climate-smart and sustainable practices. This project plans to pay a per acre per year incentive, and fund planting, harvesting and delivery of the crop to the processing facility. The work proposed almost exclusively works with underserved and small producers, including the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Colorado River Tribes. The project aims to include marketing the rubber to Bridgestone, which is providing more than $35M in cost share to the project. The strategy would incorporate an integrated, robust, and comprehensive approach to data measurement and analysis, which includes soil carbon and plant measurements, ground level GHG measurements, flux tower measurements, soil carbon modeling, and holistic life cycle and techno-economic modeling. Data from field measurements and modeling is planned to be used to recommend large-scale adoption and feed directly into COMET-Farm and COMET-Planner. The project aims to include marketing the rubber to Bridgestone. Bridgestone is providing more than $35M in cost share, demonstrating its commitment to the development of the climate-smart natural rubber commodity. Bridgestone is currently pursuing numerous market areas and has already engaged prospective customers in many of those areas. Some specific market activities by co-product/product including natural rubber latex and resin. This project plans to pay a per acre per year incentive regardless of yield and fund planting, harvesting and delivery of the crop to the processing facility. The work proposed almost exclusively works with underserved and small producers, including the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Colorado River Tribes.
Lead Partner: University of Arizona
Other Major Partners: Bridgestone Americas, Inc.**, Colorado State University*, OpenET*, Tohono O'odham Nation, Colorado River Indian Tribes (Mohave, Chemeuvi, Hopi and Navajo peoples)
Primary States Expected: AZ, Tribal
Major Commodities: Natural Rubber
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $35,000,000Building the Climate-Smart Wood Economy
This project brings together Tribal, small family forest, and nonprofit wood producers with data scientists and the design and construction industry to manage and restore tens of thousands of acres in Oregon. The project will quantify the positive impacts of climate-smart management on carbon sequestration, wildfire intensity, and cultural values, and will also build resources for project teams to navigate climate-smart markets for wood procurement through pre-design, design, and construction phases and support sale. Carbon impacts of climate-smart timber purchasing is planned to be estimated by comparing the difference in carbon intensity for participating landowners against regional benchmarks of the carbon intensity of commodity timber production from industrial forestlands. Forest biomass and carbon stocks are planned to be measured using satellite imagery. A simple user-friendly web application is also planned to be scoped and developed to deliver carbon impact metrics per unit of roundwood which can then be converted into carbon impacts for specific end-products. The project work plans to recognize and make accessible the entirety of the Pacific Northwest climate-smart timber supply chain, track and trace the flow of fiber from source forests, through mills and processing, and into ten construction projects. To allow the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) community to differentiate between wood products based on forest carbon and associated ecosystem impacts, the project plans to build a simple, user-friendly web application that covers the contiguous U.S. This tool is planned to be designed with input from the intended end users, the AEC community, to ensure meeting their needs and providing them with an easy to use solution. In addition, contract payments to sawmills is planned to drive participation to grow transparency and data about log supply, as well as offer price premiums for sales of climate-smart wood to an interested buyer. Landowner sales incentives are planned to offer a premium to landowners for selling their wood to a participating sawmill. Producer payments are planned to focus on tribal partners, supporting culturally informed forest restoration work that partners would like to pursue on ancestral lands. Ecotrust also plans to engage in technical assistance and co-production of forest impact assessment deep dives involving Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV) activities with several tribes. These deep dives will characterize embodied carbon and other quantifiable impacts associated with tribal forest management. The intent of these deep dives is to increase tribal capacity and readiness to engage in marketing of tribal timber as a climate-smart commodity.
Lead Partner: Sustainable Northwest**
Other Major Partners: EcoTrust*,**, Northwest Natural Resources Group*,**, Trout Mountain Forestry*,**, Vibrant Planet Data Commons*,**, Washington Conservation Action*,**, Virbrant Planet Public Benefit Corporation*,**, Pierce Conservation District*,**
Primary States Expected: CA, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $25,000,000
Climate-Smart Camelina --This large-scale pilot project aims to measure and validate the climate-smart advantages of camelina sativa (L.) in both rotational and winter cover crop production systems. The project will accelerate farmer adoption of camelina as a non-food crop grown on idle acres to produce more plant-based feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals with low carbon intensity and no land-use change while increasing carbon capture in the soil.
Lead Partner: Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
Major Partners: Sustainable Oils, Bakersfield Renewable Fuels, ExxonMobil, Farmobile/AGI, Davis Instruments, Pessl Instruments, EarthDaily Agro, Intelinair, Earth Optics, Yard Stick, ARVA Intelligence
Major Commodities: Camelina
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000Climate-Smart Commodities for Idaho: A Public-Private-Tribal Partnership
This project will build climate-smart markets and increase adoption of climate-smart practices on more than 100 farms in Idaho through the provision of financial and technical assistance to producers, with a focus on barley, beef, chickpea, potatoes, sugar, wheat, and hops. Project plans to direct 75 percent of funds to participant incentives for implementing a variety of practices including cover crops, no-till, biochar, cover crops with livestock grazing, interseeding of legumes and precision fertilizer application. The measurement and monitoring system are planned to be based on field and laboratory measurements using a spatially nested design to facilitate scaling-up of project results. The Carbon Management Evaluation Tools (COMET-Farm) are planned to be utilized throughout the project to establish baselines; this project also plans to generate data from field measurements of GHG emissions that will be used to improve COMET and other models for use within the western U.S. This project plans to focus on seven key commodities in Idaho with national and international markets: barley, beef, chickpea, potatoes, sugar, wheat, hops and specialty crops. At least 30% of enrolled producers are planned to be from underserved communities, including mostly veterans, women, and small producers.
Lead Partner: Regents of the University of Idaho
Other Major Partners: Coeur d’Alene Tribe* Nez Perce Tribe* Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts*, The Nature Conservancy*, The Wave Foundation, Desert Mountain Grassfed Beef*, Salmon Safe/Kooskooskie Fish, LLC, University of Idaho*, SaulGill, LLC DBA Arrowleaf Consulting*
Primary States Expected: ID, Tribal
Major Commodities: Barley, Beef, Chickpea, Potatoes, Sugar Beets, Wheat, Hops, Specialty Crops
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $55,000,000Climate-Smart Potatoes from the Pacific Northwest: Managing Soil Health for Climate-Smart Outcomes
This project will build climate-smart markets and advance adoption of climate-smart management systems in the Pacific Northwest states of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon where more than 62% of U.S. potatoes are grown and 15% of the domestic supply of seed potatoes are produced. Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification are planned to be conducted at multiple scales to: (i) verify that conservation practices are implemented, (ii) establish Soil Health and C Targets, (iii) estimate GHG emission reductions at the county/Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) level, (iv) verify GHG emission reductions at the farm field level, (v) verify soil C-sequestration estimates, changes in soil C, and changes in soil health at the farm field level, and (vi) report on the practices and their impacts on GHG emissions, C-sequestration, and soil health over the five-year project period. As a part of developing pilot markets, the project identified two companies (Threemile Canyon and Mart Produce) that are interested in investigating development of pilot markets and promotions for Climate-Smart labelled potato products. Additionally, a pilot marketplace for buyers and sellers using chain-of-custody ownership tracking via the block chain through supply chains is planned to be investigated for the potential exchange of C-credits among project participants such as contracts between producers and processors/handlers, and between processors/handlers and product purchasers. The project plans to engage independent grower networks to reach small and underserved producers and plans to work through tribal liasons and partner networks to reach tribal producers. The three partnering tribes plan to enroll approximately 50,000 acres in the program. The project will continue engaging and enrolling additional tribes throughout the life of the project. The project will provide financial assistance as well as technical assistance.
Lead Partner: Oregon State University
Other Major Partners: Oregon State University, University of Idaho*, Washington State University, Soil Health Institute*, LoCo Plus, LLC*, Seven Generations LLC*, Industrial Hemp Association of Washington, Lamb Weston, Frito-Lay, Mart Produce, Simplot, Yakama Nation: Confederated Tribes and Bands, Nez Perce Tribe*, Confederated Tribes of the Colville
Primary States Expected: ID, OR, WA, Tribal
Major Commodities: Potatoes
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000
Demonstration, Expansion, and Quantification of the Benefits of a Climate-smart Commodity: Verified Regenerative Bison Products--The project will develop a demonstration program on tribal lands, implementing and expanding multiple climate-smart practices in production of American bison, and will showcase the benefits of regenerative bison production to rangeland, ranchers, and climate. It will also create a new entity to maintain standards of regenerative bison production, track climate benefits and payment for those benefits through the supply chain, establish consumer trust.
Lead Partner: Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
Major Partners: Frasier Bison LLC, the Earthshot Institute, Mad Agriculture, Eastern Shoshone Tribal Buffalo Program, Intertribal Buffalo Council
Major Commodities: Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $7,000,000
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Farmer-led Climate-smart Commodities Initiative: Building Success from the Ground Up--This project will expand climate-smart markets and establish dairy and sugar as climate-smart commodities by implementing climate-smart production practices, improving business practices, improving business practices for climate-smart commodities, and making use of data and information collected to inform future standards.
Lead Partner: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
Major Partners: Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Clean Wisconsin, Agropur, Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership, Center for Farm Financial Management, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, AgCentric - MN Farm Business Management, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Houston Engineering, Inc., Farmobile, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, American Sugar Beet Growers Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension
Major Commodities: Dairy, Sugarbeets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $50,000,000
Elevated Foods Partnerships for Climate-smart Commodities --This project will implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on a large-scale across cropland planted to fruits and vegetables, with a particular focus on fresh fruit and vegetable crops. Partners propose to implement practices on hundreds of thousands of acres planted to fruit and vegetables in key growing regions across the United States, and extend the producer reach to urban farmers in Orange County, California, and the Navajo Nation, to meet the needs of small and historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: Elevated Foods
Major Partners: California Department of Food & Agriculture, World Wildlife Fund, Solutions for Urban Agriculture, AgLaunch, Understanding Ag, Soil Health Academy, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Feeding the Northwest, CropTrak, Regenified, Synoptek
Major Commodities: Apples, Grapes, Fruits and Vegetables
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000
Growing Value for Producers --This project will create and pilot-test a farmer-friendly system that builds capacity with institutions interacting with a range of producers, including underserved producers, to support adoption of climate-smart practices and interact with commodity buyers in climate-smart markets.
Lead Partner: Winrock International Institute for Agriculture Development
Major Partners: Arva Intelligence, Blue Raster, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Riceland Foods Inc
Major Commodities: Rice, Beef
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $20,000,000National Sorghum Producers Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project
This project will implement climate-smart production practices across hundreds of thousands of acres of sorghum working lands, with the goal of reducing hundreds of millions of pounds of carbon emissions and developing markets for sorghum as a climate-smart commodity. The project plans to have all enrolled producers document their practices and related acreage in an established and proprietary EcoPractices platform, a platform currently used by Nestlé and Danone to track and monitor climate-smart practices implemented by other commodity farmers in select and limited areas of their supply chains. Furthermore, GHG benefits beyond the farmgate plan to be quantified using the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) model. In addition to farm-level monitoring of practices using the EcoPractices platform, the project plans to engage Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU; Texas Tech University, an HSI; Texas A&M University, an HSI; and Kansas State University to execute a technical program aimed at quantifying the value of emissions reductions associated with irrigation water use reduction and nitrate leaching, volatilization and runoff mitigation techniques. The project plans to collaborate with sorghum producers to take advantage of added value, primarily in the California fuel market with climate-smart sorghum being sold to ethanol companies for use in ethanol production, resulting in low carbon fuel credits for fuel purchasers and an incremental market premium for sorghum producers. The project plans for a minimum percentage of this project’s budgeted funds and technical assistance for small and historically underserved sorghum producers/landowners. Partners will conduct outreach to Black, woman, and Native farmers specifically.
Lead Partner: National Sorghum Producers Association**
Other Major Partners: KS Black Farmers Assoc.; Peoria Tribe of Indians of OK; KS AgriWomen; Women Managing the Farm; CO, KS, NM, OK & TX Sorghum Assocs; United Sorghum Checkoff, Prairie View A&M*, CO State, TX Tech*, TX A&M*, KS State* and OK State Univ.; NM & KS Depts of Agriculture; Field to Market; RIPE; Trust in Food™; Natl. Cotton Council; Amer. Coalit. for Ethanol; KS Water, Pheasants/Quail Forever*; Salk Institute; Danforth Center*; Galvanize Clim. Solut.; Arable*; Argonne Natl Lab; Sust Envir Consult*; ServiTech*,**; Danone; Kashi; Bayer Crop Sci; ADM; Conestoga Energy; KS Ethanol; Pratt, West Plains & Energy; Nu Life Market; CoBank; & High Plains Farm Credit; Northrup.ag*,**, Pinion*, White Energy, Carbon A List*, Sero Ag. Strategies*
Primary States Expected: CO, KS, NM, OK, TX, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sorghum
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $65,000,000Reducing GHG Emissions and Improving Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential through High-Carbon Soil Amendment
This pilot project will support expansion of climate-smart markets and implementation of climate-smart practices to augment conservation Best Management Practices and generate reference data to support development of regionally optimized ecosystem services models. The geographic focus of this project (CO, NE, WY, MT) has naturally low basal soil organic carbon, which means greater sequestration potential. Western Sugar Cooperative will use its close ties to the farmer and access to extensive production records to conduct high-level impact modeling using COMET to educate growers and build momentum for broad participation in an ecosystem services exchange. This project focuses on creating new value for Climate-Smart Sugar. Sugar users desire sustainable sugar. Fulfillment of most sugar user’s quantitative corporate sustainability goals relies heavily on domestic farmers. Currently, impact tracking is taxing for farmers, has high degrees of uncertainty, and likely results in double counting within the value chain. Using the cooperative structure to co-market ecosystem services will create competition for these valuable GHG benefits by allowing the farmers to fulfill a greater diversity of demand (e.g., CPGs, retailers, off-sets, public, etc.) and eventually spur incentives from the users of the Climate-Smart sugar. Farmers meeting the USDA definition of historically underserved are planned to receive 125% of the incentive with a 150% incentive for any implementation on Crow Tribe cropland: two-thirds to the farmer and one-third to the landowner.
Lead Partner: The Western Sugar Cooperative
Other Major Partners: Crow Tribe, Panhandle Research and Extension Center at the University of Nebraska*,**; Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion at University of Wyoming**; Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center; Colorado State University*
Primary States Expected: CO, MT, NE, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Sugar beets
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $6,000,000Strengthening Grassroots Leadership and Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Underserved Producers' Access to Markets
This project will work through its network of 3,000 conservation districts throughout the nation to grow and advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet the demand and have access to climate-smart commodity markets. Project plans to support implementation of climate-smart practices like cover crops, nutrient management plans, forest stand management, prescribed grazing and forage and biomass planting. Planned marketing efforts include identifying strategies for building acres or products. The project plans to use COMET-Planner and/or other data models (e.g., Truterra Sustainability Tool, SYMFONI) to identify practice options that maximize carbon sequestration. HabiTerre’s technology and quantification solution – SYMFONI – captures the trade-offs and synergistic effects of the system of conservation practices implemented; HabiTerre plans to develop a farmer-facing dashboard that summarizes producers’ historical GHG emissions (e.g., soil organic carbon changes, N2O emissions, and CH4 emissions/uptake) at the field and farm levels. NACD plans to verify soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through soil sampling on a representative subset of fields. The project plans to support development of climate-smart market opportunities that benefit local economies and identify strategies for bundling acres or products, provide additional education on Scope 3 protocols and traceability, and what is needed to participate in climate-smart commodity markets. NACD also plans to cultivate national partnerships that facilitate access to growing climate-smart markets. Of the producers enrolled, over half are planned to be underserved producers. The project also plans to invest in the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) and organizations that serve tribal producers, as well as Rural Coalition and their members, the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund and Kansas Black Farmers Association to strengthen Conservation Districts’ outreach to historically underserved communities and producers.
Lead Partner: National Association of Conservation Districts
Other Major Partners: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)*, Rural Coalition*, the Kansas Black Farmers Association*, and the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund*, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC)*, Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture*,**, HabiTerre*, Cornell University Atkinson Center for Sustainability*
Primary States Expected: Nationwide, Tribal, Territories
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Rice, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $90,000,000
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative --This project, covering more than 30 states, will use innovative finance mechanisms to accelerate climate-smart practice uptake by farmers, leveraging private sector demand to strengthen markets for climate-smart commodities. Partners will provide technical assistance and additional financial incentives to a diverse array of producers across a range of commodities, tying climate-smart practices to commodity purchases and creating a scalable model for private sector investment.
Lead Partner: Field to Market
Major Partners: Akiptan & Intertribal Agriculture Council, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund, PepsiCo, Farmers Business Network, EDF, Archer Daniels Midland, Illinois Corn Growers Association, PCM, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Growers Edge, Mondelēz, Michigan State University, Coop Elevator
Major Commodities: Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Peanuts, Wheat, Potatoes, Barley, Sorghum, Alfalfa, Peanuts, Rice, Sugarbeets, Livestock
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $70,000,000
The GEVO Climate-Smart Farm-to-Flight Program--The project aims to create critical structural market incentives for low carbon-intensity (CI) corn as well as to accelerate the production of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce the sector’s dependency on fossil-based fuel. This project includes an immediate market opportunity to sell climate-smart, low-climate-impact corn.
Lead Partner: Gevo, Inc.
Major Partners: Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC, Google, Farmers Edge, EarthOptics, South Dakota State University, Regen Ag Labs, Yard Stick, Double H Ag Services, Farmers Edge, AgSpire, PrairieFood, Stine Seed Farm, Holganix, Trace Genomics, MidState Agronomy, Double H Ag Services, Colorado State University, Iowa State University, Standing Rock (SAGE) Renewable Energy Power Authority
Major Commodities: Corn
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $30,000,000The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities
This project will create market opportunities for beef and bison producers who utilize climate-smart agriculture grazing and land management practices. The project will guide and educate producers on climate-smart practices most suited for their operations, manage large-scale climate-smart data that will be used by producers to improve decision-making, and directly impact market demand for climate- smart beef/bison commodity markets. The project will use COMET for calculating GHG benefits. SmartScore.ai will be used to develop software & warehouse to store data. Yardstick will also be used to measure soil profile organic carbon & bulk density. C-Lock will measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from the beef and bison. The project will market climate smart beef & bison meat with a certification of how the livestock were grown and fed. The animals will be tracked from birth through finish. 30.7% of total direct funds in this project will go to historically underserved producers.
Lead Partner: South Dakota State University
Other Major Partners: South Dakota State extension*, SDSU Center for Excellence for Bison Studies*, National Bison Association*,**, Agspire*, Tanka fund*, Buffalo Ridge Cattle Company*,**, Cold Creek Buffalo Company*,**, Millborn Seeds*,**, SmartScore.ai*,**, Yard Stick*, Texas A & M*, C-Lock*
Primary States Expected: CO, GA, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, WY, Tribal Lands
Major Commodities: Beef, Bison
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $80,000,000TRACT Program: Traceable Reforestation for America’s Carbon and Timber
This project builds climate-smart markets for timber and forest products and addresses the need to expand and recover the nation’s forest estate to balance the demand for wood products with the increasing need for forests to serve as carbon reservoirs. The project will deploy funding, planning, and implementation of reforestation and afforestation activities in lands deforested by wildfire in the Western U.S. and degraded agricultural lands in the Southern U.S. Every acre planted and the volume of forest products generated will have a quantified and verified climate benefit in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships. The project aims to include a combination of small landowners and tribal representatives. Practice implementation incentives should increase the demand for climate-smart forest products, over time, improve the economics of climate-smart forest management and wood production. The project plans to invest in a new website and signage to educate consumers about the novel commodity and to provide project contact information for those wishing to engage in the program. By listing projects with a carbon registry, public records will be available and will include georeferenced planting project boundaries, a description of the planting project including densities and species compositions, quantification of carbon benefits in mtCO2e, and records of third-party project validation and verifications; these publicly available source records are critical as the foundation for supply chain tracking. The project aims to work with multiple Tribes in the west and small producers and community-serving landowners (i.e. counties and municipal governments) in the south. At least half of the total grant funding is anticipated to be reserved for technical and financial assistance for Tribes, family forest owners, and county/municipal ownerships.
Lead Partner: Oregon Climate Trust**
Other Major Partners: Arbor Day Carbon, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund*, Nez Perce Tribe0, TerraCarbon
Primary States Expected: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, LA, MS, MT, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY, Tribal
Major Commodities: Timber, Forest Products
Approximate Funding Ceiling: $15,000,000
- Executed Grant Agreements
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Below are copies of the original signed grant agreements for Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. Please note that the documents will be provided on a rolling basis and redacted in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and other associated laws.
- A Greener World Agreement (PDF, 17.0 MB)
- Accelerating Appalachia, INC Agreement (PDF, 23.5 MB)
- Adirondack North Country Association Agreement (PDF, 14.4 MB)
- AgriCapture, Inc. (PDF, 18.3 MB)
- The American Farmland Trust (PDF, 17.0 MB)
- American Forest Foundation Agreement (PDF, 17.0 MB)
- American Lamb Board Agreement (PDF, 15.3 MB)
- American Sustainable Business Institute Agreement (PDF, 19.8 MB)
- Archer-Daniels-Midland Company Agreement (PDF, 14.9 MB)
- Arizona Association of Conservation Districts (PDF, 17.9 MB)
- Blue Diamond Growers Agreement (PDF, 17.6 MB)
- California Dairy Research Foundation Agreement (PDF, 19.1 MB)
- Carbon A List LLC Agreement (PDF, 17.0 MB)
- Caribbean Regenerative Community Development INC Agreement (PDF, 22.2 MB)
- Central State University Agreement (PDF, 16.0 MB)
- Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes Agreement (PDF, 16.8 MB)
- Chickasaw Nation Agreement (PDF, 16.2 MB)
- Chico State Enterprises Agreement (PDF, 17.3 MB)
- Clemson University Agreement (PDF, 20.8 MB)
- Colorado Department of Agriculture Agreement (PDF, 18.4 MB)
- The Conservation Innovation Fund Agreement (PDF, 19.6 MB)
- Cooperative League of the United States of America Agreement
- Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools (PDF, 19.6 MB)
- Curators of the University of Missouri Agreement (PDF, 19.6 MB)
- Dairy Farmers of America, Inc Agreement (PDF, 16 MB)
- Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship, Inc. Agreement (PDF, 17.0 MB)
- Dalla Terra Ranch Foundation (in Harmony Farm) Agreement (PDF, 17.2 MB)
- The Delong Co INC Agreement (PDF, 18.5 MB)
- Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas Agreement (PDF, 18.0 MB)
- ECOM USA, LLC Agreement (PDF, 19.0 MB)
- Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative Agreement (PDF, 16.8 MB)
- Elevated Foods INC Agreement (PDF, 17.4 MB)
- Fischer Farms Natural Foods, LLC Agreement (PDF, 19.8 MB)
- Florida A&M Agreement (PDF, 17.9 MB)
- Food Shed Inc. Agreement (PDF, 17.0 MB)
- Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, LLC Agreement (PDF, 15.6 MB)
- Georgia Alabama Land Trust Agreement (PDF, 18.1 MB)
- Gevo, Inc Agreement (PDF, 22.5 MB)
- Global Clean Energy Holdings Inc. Agreement (PDF, 19.1 MB)
- Grassland Oregon Inc Agreement (PDF, 18.6 MB)
- Handsome Brook Farms, LLC. Agreement (PDF, 20.7 MB)
- Iconoclast Industries, LLC Agreement (PDF, 18.3 MB)
- International Fresh Produce Association Agreement (PDF, 18.1 MB)
- Intertribal Buffalo Council Agreement (PDF, 17.5 MB)
- Intertribal Buffalo Council Amendment (PDF, 850 KB)
- Iowa Soybean Association Grant Agreement (PDF, 16.7 MB)
- Lincoln University (PDF, 18.7 MB)
- Low Carbon Technologies LLC Agreement (PDF, 18.7 MB)
- Lynker Corporation Agreement (PDF, 25.7 MB)
- Maple Hill Creamery LLC (PDF, 16.3 MB)
- Marbleseed Inc. Agreement (PDF, 16.9 MB)
- MCL Jasco Inc. Agreement (PDF, 16.1 MB)
- Meridian Institute Agreement (PDF, 18.0 MB)
- Michigan Association of Conservation Districts Agreement (PDF, 17.7 MB)
- Millborn Seeds Agreement (PDF, 17.1 MB)
- Mississippi State University Agreement (PDF, 16.7 MB)
- Missouri Organic Association Agreement (PDF, 17.8 MB)
- Mt. Folly Enterprises Inc. Agreement (PDF, 19.3 MB)
- National Association of Conservation Districts (PDF, 17.1 MB)
- National Black Growers Council Agreement (PDF, 17.5 MB)
- National Center for Appropriate Technology INC Agreement (PDF, 19.8 MB)
- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Agreement (PDF, 18.4 MB)
- National Pork Board Agreement (PDF, 17.4 MB)
- National Sorghum Producers Association Agreement (PDF, 20 MB)
- The Nature Conservancy Agreement (PDF, 17.3 MB)
- New England Forestry Foundation, INC Agreement (PDF, 23.0 MB)
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Agreement (PDF, 20.0 MB)
- North Jersey RC&D Area, Inc Agreement (PDF, 16.9 MB)
- Oklahoma Association of Conservation Agreement (PDF, 14.9 MB)
- Oregon State University Agreement (PDF, 18.7 MB)
- Oregon Climate Trust Agreement (PDF, 19.3 MB)
- Organic Association of Kentucky Agreement (PDF, 18.5 MB)
- Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture Agreement (PDF, 18.3 MB)
- Pennsylvania State University Agreement (PDF, 19.0 MB)
- Ponix Inc. Agreement (PDF, 18.7 MB)
- Prairie View A&M University Agreement (PDF, 18.1 MB)
- Prince George's County Maryland Agreement (PDF, 18.9 MB)
- Proximity Malt, LLC Agreement (PDF, 17.7 MB)
- Quivira Coalition Agreement (PDF, 16.5 MB)
- Regeneration International Agreement (PDF, 15.9 MB)
- Regents of the University of Idaho Agreement (PDF, 20 MB)
- Re-Nuble, Inc. Agreement
- Rodale Institute Agreement (PDF, 23.0 MB)
- Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC Agreement (PDF, 19.7 MB)
- Sonoma County Agreement (PDF, 17.9 MB)
- South Carolina State University Agreement (PDF, 17.0 MB)
- South Dakota State University Agreement (PDF, 19.9 MB)
- South Dakota State University Amendment (PDF, 740 KB)
- Star of the West Milling Company Agreement (PDF, 17.6 MB)
- Sustainable Northwest Agreement (PDF, 17.6 MB)
- Tennessee State University Agreement (PDF, 21.2 MB)
- Texas A&M University Agrilife Research Agreement (PDF, 18.7 MB)
- Texas A&M University Kingsville Agreement (PDF, 18.0 MB)
- Texas A&M University (Kingsville) Amendment (PDF, 571 KB)
- Texas Tech University System Agreement (PDF, 17.5 MB)
- TH Cattle Company LLC Agreement (PDF, 17.3 MB)
- TruTerra LLC Agreement (PDF, 14.6 MB)
- Truterra, LLC Agreement
- Tuskegee University (Agroforestry) Agreement (PDF, 17.8 MB)
- Tuskegee University (Sheep & Goats) Agreement (PDF, 17.8 MB)
- University Corporation at Monterey Bay Agreement (PDF, 18.4 MB)
- University of Arizona Agreement (PDF, 19.9 MB)
- University of Arizona Agreement (PDF, 19.4 MB)
- University of Delaware Agreement
- University of Guam Agreement (PDF, 19.2 MB)
- University of Illinois Agreement (PDF, 17.9 MB)
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore Agreement (PDF, 19.0 MB)
- University of Tennessee Agreement (PDF, 18.4 MB)
- University of Texas at Arlington Agreement (PDF, 18.8 MB)
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Agreement (PDF, 17.8 MB)
- University of Washington Agreement
- USA Rice Agreement (PDF, 17.2 MB)
- U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, LLC Agreement (PDF, 18.9 MB)
- U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Amendment (PDF, 320 KB)
- Vanguard Consortium Agreement (PDF, 36.8 MB)
- Victus Puerto Rico, Inc. Agreement (PDF, 18.2 MB)
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Agreement (PDF, 20.3 MB)
- West Virginia University Research Corporation Agreement (PDF, 19.1 MB)
- Western Sugar Cooperative Agreement (PDF, 17.6 MB)
- White Buffalo Land Trust Agreement (PDF, 17.3 MB)
- Winrock International Institute Agreement (PDF, 18.0 MB)
- Wolfe's Neck Farm Foundation, INC Agreement (PDF, 22.8 MB)
- The Wolfe’s Neck Foundation, Inc. Amendment (PDF, 355 KB)
- Working Landscapes LLC Agreement (PDF, 18.5 MB)
- Yale University Agreement (PDF, 17.6 MB)
