(NAFB) – The Department of Agriculture Monday announced $1 billion in partnerships to support America’s climate-smart farmers, ranchers and forest landowners.

The new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity will finance pilot projects that create market opportunities for U.S. agricultural and forestry products that use climate-smart practices and include innovative, cost-effective ways to measure and verify greenhouse gas benefits. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement during a stop at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Vilsack says, “USDA will provide targeted funding to meet national and global demand and expand market opportunities for climate-smart commodities to increase the competitive advantage of American producers.”

Funding will be provided to partners through USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation for pilot projects to provide incentives. USDA is accepting project applications for fiscal year 2022. A range of public and private entities may apply, and the primary applicant must be an entity, not an individual.

More information is available at USDA.gov.