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 competitive opportunity will offer rice producers a suite of more than 30 practices to choose from to fit the needs and capabilities of their operation.

Please join us for an informational workshop on June 25, from 1-3pm in Yuba City at Hillcrest Catering (210 Julie Dr, Yuba City).

The first of multiple Application Periods will run from June 25 to August 15, 2024. 

Through the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, the USDA has three primary objectives: expand markets for America’s climate-smart commodities, leverage the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodity production, and provide direct, meaningful benefits to production agriculture, including for small and underserved producers.

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. A list of practices and a website with additional information will be made available at the workshop and opening of the first application period.

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.