The National Pork Board (NPB) recently announced the expansion of the Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value grant program to support pork producers. The grant, which is part of USDA’s Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities program, is now extended to farmers in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
This industry program offers cost-share opportunities to benefit pork producers, according to its website. This expansion opens new opportunities for producers to receive financial and technical support for adopting climate-smart practices, says NPB.
Eligible producers in all 12 states can now access support for implementing the following practices:
• Cover Crops: Improve soil health, reduce erosion, and increase carbon sequestration by planting cover crops during non-growing seasons.
• Livestock Integration: Combine livestock management with cover cropping to enhance nutrient recycling and soil fertility.
• Conservation Tillage: Reduce soil disturbance with reduced tillage or no-till practices, which help preserve soil structure and moisture.
• Manure Management: Efficiently use manure in nutrient application plans – applying manure to nourish crops and improve soil quality.
• Edge-of-Field and Perennial Grass Buffers: Establish buffers that help reduce sediment and nutrient loss, protecting local waterways.
• Energy-Efficient Practices: Transition to energy-efficient options like LED lighting and heat mats to reduce overall energy use.
A Great Fit for the Pork Industry
NPB says this grant program is a natural fit for the pork industry because it aligns with the We Care commitment established by pig farmers 16 years ago. The We Care initiative includes six ethical principles and sustainability goals that guide the pork industry and promote responsibility across every aspect of production.
By participating in this grant program, pork producers can show their dedication to We Care while adopting practices that improve production methods.
Support for Producers in Navigating Grant Options
With multiple climate-smart grants available across these states, understanding the various options can be complex. To help navigate this process, NPB’s trusted grant partner Eocene Environmental Group will help producers understand which practices they can earn financial incentives for, helping them choose the right grant opportunities and match them with expert guidance on adopting new practices. Climate-smart commodities projects are available in each state through the USDA’s public dashboard.
How It Works: A Simple 5-Step Process
Get started by requesting a Pork Cares Farm Impact Report.
1. Sign Up for a Pork Cares Farm Impact Report: Eligible producers begin by requesting a custom report.
2. Complete the Report with Eocene: An Eocene technician will help producers in collecting necessary on-farm data to begin the report.
3. Create a Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Implementation Plan: With support from Eocene, producers decide on a plan tailored to their farm’s needs and goals for adopting climate-smart practices.
4. Receive Technical Assistance: Partners like Eocene, Ducks Unlimited and Millborn Seeds will provide hands-on support for implementing CSA practices, while financial training is available through the Farm Credit Council.
5. Track Progress: Eocene gathers data on the impact of CSA practices through confidential, secure Pork Cares Farm Impact Reports, ensuring continuous improvement and transparency.
Why Participate in Climate-Smart Programs?
Participating in climate-smart grant programs like this one helps producers maintain their freedom to operate by attracting valuable supply chain partners. The financial backing of $20 million in federal funding for the Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value grant, matched with $10 million from our grant partner Nestle and $5 million in Pork Checkoff funds, provides a total of $35 million to support producers.
Investments like this enhance the long-term viability of U.S. pork production and ensures that producers remain competitive in a market that increasingly values environmentally conscious practices.
Get Started Today
Producers interested in applying for the grant and integrating climate-smart practices into their operations should begin by requesting a Pork Cares Farm Impact Report.
With the USDA’s support and the expertise of our partners, this program is poised to make a significant impact on the sustainability of U.S. pork production, helping farmers adapt to new challenges while maintaining a focus on environmental stewardship, market growth, and the We Care principles that define the pork industry.
Producers are encouraged to reach out to NPB if they have any questions about the process. Call 1-800-456-7675 and ask for a representative from the sustainability team.
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