More than $13M in New Funding Supports Conservation Stewardship for Colorado Farmers and Ranchers

Broomfield, Colo. ~ Broomfield, Colo. - The agricultural community in Colorado is set to receive a significant boost thanks to a $13.7 million grant from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The Department of Agriculture secured this funding to support agricultural producers in tapping into emerging markets while promoting conservation practices that are integral to Colorado's working lands.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his excitement about the funding, stating, "Agriculture is essential to our way of life in Colorado, and now we can offer more support to our farmers and ranchers and invest in our future success." He also highlighted the leadership of Colorado's farmers and ranchers in conservation efforts and how this funding will strengthen their work and encourage more participation.

Formerly known as the Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities, the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) funding aims to expand markets for Colorado's agricultural commodities grown with conservation practices. The funding will be distributed through direct-to-producer grants ranging from $20,000 to $300,000 over a two-year period.

Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg emphasized the impact this funding will have on farmers and ranchers who are using soil health practices in their land management. "This is real money in the pockets of Colorado's farmers and ranchers who are making their operations more profitable and the land healthier," she said. Greenberg also noted that this funding will help producers build more resilient operations that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate.

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The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has been working closely with NRCS over the past year to design a program that aligns with both state and federal goals while supporting the stewardship goals of Colorado producers.

The AMP funding will be directed through various existing CDA grant programs such as Colorado Proud, Colorado State Conservation Board grants, and the Urban Agriculture Program. Evanne Caviness, Director of CDA's Conservation Services Division, described this as a major success for Colorado's farmers and ranchers, especially considering the challenges they face. "With this funding, Colorado's producers will receive critical financial support to do what they do best: feed our nation while stewarding the working lands that make our state the incredible place that it is," she said.

The funding will cover the cost and reduce the risk of implementing conservation practices while also helping producers find and develop new markets for crops grown with these practices. These practices include cover-cropping, reduced or no till, irrigation water management, noxious weeds management, rotational grazing, and nutrient management. All of these have been proven to increase soil health, reduce erosion, improve water retention, and aid in carbon sequestration.

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This funding also presents a unique opportunity for a partnership between CDA's Conservation Services and Markets Division. The two divisions will work together to assist producers in growing commodities with conservation practices while accessing new and emerging markets.

The AMP funding directly supports CDA's multi-year strategic plan by advancing two of its five strategic directions: Environmental Stewardship and Climate Resilience, and Market and Economic Productivity. This program empowers producers to adopt and scale conservation practices while simultaneously helping them access new markets for climate-smart commodities. It also aligns with the department's Wildly Important Goals (WIGs) by supporting National and International Market Access and Advancing the Colorado Water Plan.

In conclusion, this funding is a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture in Colorado while supporting its farmers and ranchers. With this boost from NRCS, the state's agricultural community can continue to thrive while protecting its valuable working lands.

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