President Biden issued a USDA budget proposal which requests a big-time boost to Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) funding and acres. The President’s budget seeks $2.4 billion to enroll a goal of 27 million acres. While Congress ultimately approves the measures, the administration’s budget outline largely serves as a key message of administration priorities. Climate, conservation and research remain key highlights of the plan.

Other highlights from the budget requests include:

>> $31.1 billion in discretionary spending for USDA
>> $1.8 billion for climate and conservation-related projects
>> $134.8 million for USDA’s agriculture buildings and facilities account, including $25 million for hybrid, alternative and/or electric vehicles
>> $1 billion+ in spending for conservation-related technical assistance for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
>> $2 billion for EQIP, up $175 million from FY 2022.
>> $1 billion for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), up $200 million from FY 2022.
>> $450 million for ACEP, the same as FY 2022.
>> $300 million for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), the same as FY 2022.

The plan also seeks $4 billion for ag and food research programs to support the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture. While these proposed figures are likely to go through numerous changes, it does provide indicators for where the government feels the most support is needed.

Read more on the President’s budget proposal here.