Conservation

Conservation •

Deadline Approaching for Climate Smart Commodities Program

Deadline Approaching for Climate Smart Commodities Program

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.

Applications will be accepted until August 15, 2024. 

  • Information on this program can be found here. 
  • Regina Stafford of Ducks Unlimited will be the primary program contact here in California: rstafford@ducks.org, (916) 279-2867.

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.  

Share this Story > | Print

More Conservation Stories

Winter Flooding Programs Update
Conservation •

Winter Flooding Programs Update

Here, we share a brief update on the winter-flooding programs being implemented this winter. We are happy to report that an additional $1 million has been added to the State’s California Winter Rice Habitat Incentive Program, which provides payment for winter flooding for next winter (2025-26).

READ MORE
Rice Levee Program – Deadline Reminder
Conservation •

Rice Levee Program – Deadline Reminder

California Waterfowl Association (CWA) is currently soliciting applications for the Rice Levee and Ag Corridors Program. This program is funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, through the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program, which allows private landowners to submit bids for the management of their internal rice levees or road edges for upland nesting bird species (Mallard, Gadwall and Pheasant). To participate in this program, rice levees and roads must be reconstructed or mowed before January 1st or left from previous growing season. Enrolled areas must be left undisturbed until July 15th.

READ MORE