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 were able to apply to participate in this pilot during an initial application period from July 15 - August 16, 2024. We anticipate additional sign-up periods in 2025. See the Alliance website for details regarding the application 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 will be 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 will receive payments directly from Virginia Tech. Payments will be by check (not by debit card, as originally proposed). Technical and program assistance will be 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 per Farm Service Agency Farm number (FSA number) for a maximum of two Farm numbers and 320 acres/animal units, over a one-year period.
- Up to two FSA farm numbers are allowed per designated operator; these can be individual or entity (LLC, Limited Partnership, etc.) matching FSA’s records for the enrolled Farm Number.
- Applicants will need to provide districts with FSA documentation for district staff to determine eligibility with Federal programs.
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
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, sign-up periods are tentatively planned for early 2025 and potentially 2026.
If a producer lacks an email account, how can they sign up?
If a producer doesn’t have an email, you may 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.
Can a producer enroll for multiple years?
Yes, producers may reenroll with some restrictions. They can't be paid for the same practice on the same acres within the "practice lifespan." The practice lifespan is a standard set by NRCS for the number of years that the practice is intended for function -- for example, one year for cover crops or 20+ years for some structural practices. However, an enhancement to the Year 1 practice may be considered,
- 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
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
