USDA Announces $138 Million for Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

On March 13, 2024, USDA announced $138 million for 138 new climate-smart conservation easements as part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The funding will go towards Agricultural Land Easements and Wetland Reserve Easements and will prioritize land that will most reduce, capture, avoid or sequester carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous oxide emissions. The selected projects address lands with a high threat of conversion to a non-grassland use, lands with a high threat of conversion to a non-agricultural use, lands with organic soils and high carbon mineral soils, restored native forest habitat, existing native forest habitat, and restored grassland habitat. IRA section 21001 allocates funds to multiple climate smart agricultural investment programs including ACEP.