USDA awards $1.5 billion to 92 national projects; Southeast Michigan aims to safeguard 4,000 acres through partnerships and outreach.

Michigan Lands $24.6 Million in Federal Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment

SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $24.6 million to the Southeast Michigan Conservation Coalition, part of a $1.5 billion national investment to bolster climate-smart agriculture and conservation efforts. This funding, facilitated through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader “Investing in America” agenda, emphasizing sustainability, equity, and economic resilience.

The Southeast Michigan initiative, spearheaded by the Legacy Land Conservancy, seeks to permanently protect 4,000 acres of agricultural and natural lands from encroaching development. By leveraging public-private partnerships and inclusive outreach, the project ensures equitable access to conservation tools across local communities, expanding resources available to landowners and farmers.

Ambitious Goals to Preserve Land and Empower Farmers

The Michigan project is one of 92 nationwide recipients selected for funding under the RCPP. Its mission is twofold: to secure critical farmland and adjoining ecosystems while also enhancing access to conservation technologies that mitigate climate change impacts. This initiative reflects growing concerns over farmland loss and environmental degradation in the region.

In addition to protecting farmland, the USDA funding supports broader national goals that align with the Inflation Reduction Act—promoting wildlife conservation, drought mitigation in Western states, and methane emission reductions in livestock operations. Of the total $1.5 billion allocated through RCPP, nearly $968 million in matching funds will come from partners, amplifying the scope and impact of each project.

“This project allows us to protect vital farmland and ensure the benefits of conservation are distributed fairly throughout our communities,” said a spokesperson from the Legacy Land Conservancy. “We are grateful for this opportunity to secure Michigan’s agricultural heritage for future generations.”

Biden Administration Doubles Down on Climate and Conservation

The infusion of funds from the USDA is part of a larger $19.5 billion climate-focused initiative funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. This program marks the largest conservation investment in U.S. history, with a portion of the funds allocated directly to tribal-led projects and efforts to restore wildlife corridors.

Senior White House climate adviser John Podesta emphasized the need for projects like these, highlighting the role of farms and forests in “absorbing carbon pollution and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events.”

The Southeast Michigan project fits into the administration’s broader push to secure working lands, reduce environmental risks, and increase rural resilience, offering new income opportunities for farmers through climate-smart practices and easements. Since 2021, the RCPP program has delivered over $3 billion in funding for more than 334 projects across the country.

The USDA hopes that by strengthening partnerships between federal, state, and private entities, it can meet conservation goals while empowering farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. According to Garry Lee, Michigan’s State Conservationist with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the program demonstrates “the best of public-private cooperation,” making strides toward a more sustainable agricultural sector.

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