Program Summary
The Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture is a pilot program funded by the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities that will incentivize and reward farmers and ranchers for adopting climate-smart agricultural practices. It will also undertake research and collect producer and stakeholder feedback to generate guidance for a federal program that could reach all producers in the U.S. Four states are participating: Arkansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Virginia. The Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is administering the project, with participation from each state and many additional partners.
The participating SWCDs in Minnesota are:
- East Otter Tail and Wadena
- Fillmore and Root River (Houston)
- Kandiyohi
- Redwood
- Renville
- Stevens
Landowners and operators in those counties are eligible to receive $100 per acre or animal unit for integrating climate-smart practices into their farming operations. An initial application period in the summer of 2024 resulted in nearly 400 producers receiving funding, for a total of approximately $6 million in producer payments.
A second application period will open on January 2, 2025, and run through February 14. See the Alliance website for details regarding the application process. A new dashboard is now up and running to simplify the enrollment process. Landowners can apply on their own but are strongly encouraged to contact their districts beforehand to discuss the program and ask for any needed assistance. Applicants are chosen through a randomized selection process.
Producers can implement practices prior to notification of eligibility and completed enrollment, but they do so at their own risk.
Payments to Producers
Landowners accepted into the program receive payments directly from Virginia Tech. Technical and program assistance are provided by the participating SWCDs and contracted advisors. Enrollment is for a one-year period, with an option to renew in some cases, depending on the length of the selected practice.
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible producers can enroll up to 160 acres or animal units on up to two farm number (FSA) bundles, for a maximum of 320 acres/animal units, over a one-year period. In a change from the first enrollment period, multiple farm numbers can be bundled together. Applicants need to provide districts with FSA documentation for each farm number.
Minimum acreage enrollment is 3 acres. Minimum animal unit enrollment is 10 animal units.
Eligible Practices
Qualifying practices applicable to Minnesota are (with NRCS practice numbers):
- Conservation Crop Rotation (328)
- Cover Crop (340)
- Residue and Tillage Management, No Till (329)
- Residue and Tillage Management, Reduced Till (345)
- Silvopasture (381)*
- Riparian Herbaceous Cover (390)*
- Riparian Forest Buffer (391)*
- Pasture and Hay Planting (512)*
- Prescribed Grazing (528)
- Nutrient Management (590)
- Feed Management (592)
- Tree/Shrub Establishment (612)*
*CPA-52 required
- Frequently Asked Questions (Updated)
How long will the Alliance pilot program last?
The program will run from June 2024 until September 1, 2026. This provides two fall, two spring, and two summer periods for implementation. Consider these windows of opportunity when planning practices and the potential for subsequent applications/contracts.
What is the length of a producer contract?
One year, with the option to renew for a second year, assuming practices can be implemented by September 1, 2026. Some practices (for example, tree and shrub planting) have multi-year durations, so are only eligible for payments in year one.
Will there be additional sign-up periods for producers?
Yes, a second sign-up period will run from January 2 through February 14, 2025, and a third period is tentatively planned for late spring 2025.
If a producer lacks an email account, how can they sign up?
- If a producer doesn’t have an email, a district employee's email can be used. (Note that many communications are sent via email to the producers so please choose an appropriate email address to utilize.)
Can an applicant implement a practice after applying but prior to completing enrollment?
- Yes, they may do so at their own risk.
How can producers ensure that they are not "doubling up" on enrollment in federal or state conservation programs?
- Producers may not enroll the same practice on the same acres in more than one program. For example, enrollment in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for cover crops would preclude enrollment in the Alliance program. However, program funds may be used to enhance a practice, especially with respect to early adopters.
Can a producer enroll for multiple years?
- Yes, producers may reapply for the same field as long as they are gaining additional greenhouse gas reduction benefits. This can be through the adoption of a deifferent practice or an enhancement to the existing practice.
Can a producer change a practice, reduce the acres enrolled, or change field, tract or farm locations?
- Yes, producers can change a land unit or a practice; districts will update the information in the dashboard.
If a practice requires submittal of a CPA-52 (environmental review form), how does that affect timing of implementation?
- Practices may not be implemented until the CPA-52 is reviewed and approved, which can take several months.
Can a producer swap a practice requiring the CPA-52 for another practice?
- Yes, practices can be exchanged or changed, working through the district.
For additional questions and answers, see Frequently Asked Questions - Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture (allianceforcsa.org)
- Guidance Resources for Districts
Partner Guide – For state and district partner use, process and requirements for sign up to contract completion. Access via google drive link shared with district staff. Includes details on FSA documentation.
Producer Guide – Developed for producers to assist with enrollment to contract completion Producer Guide - Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture (allianceforcsa.org)
NOTE: If district employees have access to an NRCS computer, they can utilize the NRCS CLU (common land unit) database. You should be able to access the CLU, clip it to the applicable units, and submit it, rather than requesting from FSA.
- Training Videos and Slides
NEW: Alliance Dashboard Overview, Dec. 16, 2024: https://app.screencast.com/cX4xS0X4XSuCp?tab=Details&conversation=ctmVVmml7qDaX6IEkwAHAN
CPA-52 Training, June 14, 2024: https://app.screencast.com/d5cRnuh6ZbpKS?tab=Details&conversation=bQLbs7D8hdgJdGh6CfTFvn
Alliance Reporting Training (COMET, Water Quality, etc.), July 1, 2024: https://app.screencast.com/T5miOJFbLyq6X?tab=Details&conversation=2uzX8EJxLlHCekYASfsvKq
Program Administration and Technical Training, July 11, 2024: (9+) Alliance Programatic and Technical Training 07 11 2024 - TechSmith Screencast
- Background Documents
Conservation District Scope of Work (pdf)
Alliance RFP (February 2024) (pdf)
Alliance Practices Eligible for Enrollment (March 2024) (pdf)
- Outreach Materials
LGU News Release Template (doc)
Social Media Graphic - crops (png)
- Practice Worksheets
These worksheets are now available on the Alliance website
- Conservation Crop Rotation (328)
- Residue and Tillage Management, No Till (329)
- Cover Crop (340)
- Residue and Tillage Management, Reduced Till (345)
- Riparian Herbaceous Cover (390)*
- Riparian Forest Buffer (391)*
- Silvopasture (381)*
- Pasture and Hay Planting (512)*
- Prescribed Grazing (528)
- Nutrient Management (590)
- Tree/Shrub Establishment (612)*
*This practice requires a CPA-52 Environmental Evaluation Worksheet. Please contact your district for assistance completing this form.
- CPA-52 Templates and Guidance
The practices listed here require submittal of a CPA-52 - an environmental review form. Practices can't be implemented until that form is submitted and approved, which can take several months.
CPA-52 Guidance (xlsx) UPDATED 10/11/2024
MN Pasture planting - Crop conversion template (xlsx)
MN Pasture planting - Existing pasture template (xlsx)
MN Riparian forest buffer template (xlsx)
MN Riparian herbaceous cover template (xlsx)
- Participating Districts' Program Information
