(NAFB) – The USDA’s Natural Resources and Conservation Service announced several new and expanded opportunities for climate-smart agriculture in 2022.

The updates include the nationwide availability of the Conservation Incentive Contracts Option under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Other opportunities include a new and streamlined EQIP Cover Crop Initiative and added flexibilities for producers to easily re-enroll in the Conservation Stewardship Program.

“America’s farmers are on the frontlines of climate change,” says NRCS Chief Terry Cosby. “We have to continue to support and expand the adoption of conservation approaches to support producers in their work to address the climate crisis and build more resilient operations.”

NRCS is also announcing a new partnership with Farmers for Soil Health, a joint initiative of the United Soybean Board, the National Corn Growers Association, and the National  Pork Board. Farmers for Soil Health works to advance the use of soil health practices such as cover crops on corn and soybean farms.