Summary#
This measure directs the Secretary of Agriculture to give grants to eligible groups to develop, change, or carry out plans that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, store carbon, and help agricultural land handle extreme weather. It defines who can apply (for example, State agriculture departments, Tribal authorities, producer groups, farmer cooperatives, colleges, and conservation districts), what counts as climate mitigation and adaptation, and what kinds of proposals are eligible. Applications must include performance measures. The Secretary must start soliciting applications within 180 days of enactment and choose projects within two years. The measure sets priorities for proposals that help historically underserved producers, use traditional or indigenous knowledge, transition whole farms to more resilient systems, or meet other conservation goals.
What it means for you#
- If you are part of an eligible covered entity, you can apply for grants to develop or implement projects on private agricultural land.
- Grants can fund technical help, financial assistance to producers, on-farm research and demonstrations, training and outreach, monitoring of soil carbon and emissions, and local producer networking.
- Tribal Governments may apply directly and may join other applicants. Tribal recipients have higher federal cost-share limits and a reserved portion of overall funding.
- Projects are selected for high potential to increase carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve resilience to extreme weather. Priority is given to projects that support beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, small, and mid-sized family farms.
Expenses#
- The measure directs $150,000,000 per year for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2034 to carry out these grants.
- At least 33 percent of funds must go to developing and modifying proposals, at least 33 percent to implementation, and 33 percent of total funds are reserved for Tribal Government authorities.
- Maximum single-grant amounts per fiscal year: up to $7,500,000 for development/modification grants and up to $15,000,000 for implementation grants.
- Federal cost-share limits: non-Tribal entities may receive up to 75% for development grants and up to 50% for implementation grants. Applicable Tribal Government authorities may receive up to 100% for development and up to 85% for implementation (except when a Tribe joins another entity's application).
- Administrative expense caps: the Secretary may use up to 3% of funds for administration; non-Tribal recipients may use up to 10% of a grant for administrative costs; Tribal recipients may use up to 15%.
- Recipients must conduct audits of grant-funded expenditures each year and submit them to the Secretary within 30 days after audit completion.
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.