About this episode
Rebecca Anderson joins Mary and Andrew to discuss her work with National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and government body under the purview of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Steeped in Permaculture, with a degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management, and time as a Woofer, Rebecca shares what the NRCS provides and what she does in her job to support anyone interested in conserving soil, water, and other natural resources with technical and financial support. As a permaculture practitioner, I recommend listening to this conversation because assistance from NRCS is free and isn’t just for farmers and it’s easy to start the process. All you need to do is contact your local NRCS office. Resources Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Environmental Quality Incentives Program | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) National Payment Schedules: Payment Schedules | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) . Recommend navigating to individual states and choosing the EQIP link. Definitely overwhelming regarding choices for each practice, which is why working with a local planner is super key. NRCS Service Center Locator: Service Center Locator | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) NRCS Solutions for Small-Scale Farms Fact Sheets: Solutions for Small-Scale Farms | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) Additional National Funding Sources AgWest Farm Credit New Producer Grant: https://agwestfc.com/about/community-engagement/grants/new-producer-grant American Farmland Trust Brighter Future Fund: https://farmland.org/brighter-future/ Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Programs: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/index Farm Service Agency Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/noninsured-crop-disaster-assistance/index National Young Farmer Coalition Young Farmer Program: https://www.youngfarmers.org/young-farmer-grants/ Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grants: https://cig.sc.egov.usda.gov/ RAFI FOCN Infrastructure Fund Grants: https://www.rafiusa.org/programs/farmers-of-color-network/farmers-of-color-network-infrastructure-fund-grants/ Rodale BIPOC Famer Micro Grants: https://rodaleinstitute.org/education/bipoc-farmer-micro-grants/ Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants | Rural Development (usda.gov) Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants: https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban/grants USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife: Partners for Fish and Wildlife | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov) Additional Washington State Funding Sources Tilth Organic & Sustainable Farming Grant: https://tilthalliance.org/our-work/wa-farming-agriculture/washington-state-organic-sustainable-farming-fund/ Western WA Food Systems Partnership Project Accelerator: https://wwfsp.org/food-systems-project-accelerator/ Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC) Grant Programs: Grant Programs (wa.gov) Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Farm to School Program: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/business-and-marketing-support/farm-to-school/wsda-farm-to-school-program WSDA Local Infrastructure Grant: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/business-and-marketing-support/small-farm/infrastructure-grant . Note: Most states will have a state department of agriculture that funds programs like this whether it’s for infrastructure, beginning farmers, etc.