Through USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, the USA Rice – Ducks Unlimited Rice Stewardship Partnership will be able to offer over $9 million in financial assistance to California rice producers. This opportunity will offer rice producers a suite of more than 30 practices to choose from to fit the needs and capabilities of their operation.
The first of multiple Application Periods is open now through August 15, 2024.
Available practices are based on USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) practices and are grouped into tiers on a gradient of their ability to reduce emissions. These range from those practices with direct greenhouse gas reductions (Tier 1) such as Alternative Wetting and Drying, to those that benefit soil health and water efficiency (Tier 2), to those that support biodiversity (Tier 3). Payment rates vary based on the practices and are calculated using the most up-to-date payment schedules from CA NRCS and will pay 100% of the cost of the practice.
Producers that qualify as Historically Underserved under the USDA NRCS definitions, will also be able to apply for additional structural practices (Tier 4) and compete in a separate funding pool.
Regina Stafford of Ducks Unlimited will be the primary program contact here in California: rstafford@ducks.org, (916) 279-2867