We wanted to let you know about a funding opportunity for farmers and landowner that just opened up through The Nature Conservancy’s new agroforestry project called Expanding Agroforestry Project (EAP). The EAP program is focused on adding new fruit, nut, timber, and biodiversity trees and shrubs through alley cropping, silvopasture, and windbreak practices. For qualified farmers, this project will offer technical assistance, Per-Tree Installation Costs Incentive (average $30/tree), and Transition Incentive of $450/acre paid out in three installments.
According to their write up:
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and multiple partners across the United States launched a project in early 2023 to expand agroforestry plantings across 30 states.The five-year project is designed to catalyze significant private investments into the agroforestry industry while increasing producers’ incomes and delivering environmental benefits such as enhanced carbon sequestration, soil health, biodiversity, and water quality. (source: )
The project plans to create 30,000 acres of new agroforestry plantings in the next five years and “spur the adoption of practices like alley cropping, silvopasture, and windbreaks.” (source: )
EAP can essentially pay producers about $1200 per acre to establish trees on their operations. That should go a long way toward getting silvopasture established on lots of farms and creating shade for livestock, improving summer forage quality, and extending the grazing season. If TFG can be of service in the process, please feel free to reach out. Check out the program.
Expanding Agroforestry Project – Fact Sheet
https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/Agroforestry_FactSheet_141123.pdf
Expanding Agroforestry Project – FAQ Page
https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/Expanding-Agroforestry-Project_FAQ.pdf
Incentive Payment Program Process Infographic
https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/Incentive-Payment-Program-Process.pdf
Incentive Payment Program Launch – Press Release
https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/farmers-may-participate-in-expanding-agroforestry-project/
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