Future Harvest Regional Conservation Partnership Program (Million Acre Challenge) (RCPP)

Future Harvest's Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) partner agreement with USDA-NRCS delivers soil-health conservation funding to Maryland farms through the Million Acre Challenge.

"Our partner agreement provides 100% cost share (Base payment rates are set by NRCS)."

"Basic conservation practices are the foundation for this program, but the opportunity to also implement practice enhancements broadens the reach for producers who may have formerly 'maxed out' conservation funds from other programs. We are now able to offer 100% cost-share for practices and per acre rates for enhancements."

Who is eligible:

• All Maryland farms

• Any production system

• Any scale

• Owned or leased land

• Priority to underserved producers

100% cost-share for eligible conservation practices, with per-acre rates for practice enhancements. Base payment rates are set by NRCS, and the final financial-assistance contract is signed with NRCS - Future Harvest and the Million Acre Challenge are the Maryland lead partner and enrollment channel.

Participants can expect: support during the application process, soil health assessments, demonstrations and field days, soil-health-focused conference sessions, and help identifying complementary funding and technical support options.

How to apply:

1. Enroll in the Million Acre Challenge (free self-assessment signup: https://millionacrechallenge.org/join-the-challenge/).

2. Request an RCPP application from the Million Acre Challenge or your local NRCS office.

3. Schedule a farm visit to identify resource concern(s) and begin the planning process.

4. Contract with NRCS for the approved practice(s) or enhancement(s).

Contact: info@millionacrechallenge.org. No application open or close date is published; enrollment is described as a rolling, step-by-step process.

• Million Acre Challenge (enrollment gateway): https://millionacrechallenge.org/

• Million Acre Challenge farmer page: https://millionacrechallenge.org/farmer/

• Million Acre Challenge soil health funding guide: https://millionacrechallenge.org/soil-health-background/funding-opportunities/

• Future Harvest Million Acre Challenge overview: https://futureharvest.org/programs/million-acre-challenge/