The NH County Conservation Districts have launched this farm viability program to improve the resilience of NH farms in the face of extreme weather events and a changing climate.
Donor Name: Sullivan County Conservation District
State: New Hampshire
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/01/2024
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
This grant program was designed with a high level of farmer input to ensure the most pressing needs of farms will be met. The NH Conservation Districts have also worked in close partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and other conservation partners to ensure that this statewide program fills the gaps that are not being adequately met by federal funds. Funds are available for projects that mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change and enhance the on-farm adaptations to projected climate conditions. Preference will be given to projects that can demonstrate strong potential in mitigation and adaptation.
Priority will be given to projects/practices that:
- Focus on climate change mitigation or adaptation
- Follow application guidelines
- Have a detailed plan for project implementation, education, long-term maintenance, and sustainability
- Have a realistic and well-researched budget
- Are scientifically supported by NRCS, UNH Extension, and NHACD
- Have a strong track record of success
- Have an identified technical advisor as a partner on the project
- Provide opportunities to partner with their local conservation district to offer community education, and share their project story or testimonial through conservation district publications and/or social media
- Provide opportunities to partner with their local conservation district, NHACD, and partner organizations to monitor their projects, and assess project implementation and results for future programming and research.
Funding Information
The grant will provide a cost share program for farms – grant covers up to 75% of project costs not to exceed $10,000/farm. Farmers are responsible for covering 25% of project costs.
Eligible Projects
The NH County Conservation Districts request proposals from farms who seek funding to make investments in the following areas, but welcome proposals for projects that are not represented on the list below if they are aligned with the mission and goals of the program:
- Practices which promote minimizing soil erosion and maximizing carbon capture:
- Cover Cropping
- Transitioning to reduced/no-tillage
- Mulching
- Wind breaks/buffers
- Equipment and materials to promote healthy soil practices (ex. Silage tarps,, roller/crimper, low or no-till implements).
- Transitioning to rotational grazing and grass based systems (fencing)
- Crop rotation
- Fixing gullies on fields, stopping further soil loss
- Soil nutrient management
- Soil testing
- Soil carbon monitoring and testing
- Soil sensors
- Practices which promote sustainable water management:
- Waste/Manure storage and management
- Run-off capture and re-use
- Riparian pollinator buffers and plantings
- Efficient irrigation systems
- Efficient Well systems
- Water sensors
- Practices which increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use:
- Solar installation and/or batteries
- Energy efficient equipment
- LED lights
- Climate batteries
- Integrated Pest Management Practices (IPM)
- Fruit and Vegetable Netting
- Weather stations and sensors
The following will be funded:
- Practice implementation costs
- Materials costs
- Architectural, land planning, and/or engineering services
- Other direct expenses
- Equipment (All equipment purchased through grant funds must be new and under product warranty or, in the case where this is not possible, the equipment must have a lifespan that justifies the investment)
- Technical assistance
- Consultant and legal services
Eligibility Criteria
Farms in New Hampshire. Eligible farms must be selling direct to consumer, or through wholesale markets for at least two years. Eligible farms must have secure access (own, lease) to land on which the operator is farming. If leasing, the lease must be in writing, and have a term long enough for the farmer to complete the proposed improvement project and see a return on the investment. To receive funding a farm must operate in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
For more information, visit SCCD.
