Frequently Asked Questions
How is “small, diverse, underserved, and under resourced” defined?
To determine qualifications for producer incentives and cost-share payments, we’re using the USDA definitions:
Small family farms as defined by USDA are those with a gross cash farm income of less than $350,000.
Underserved producers generally include beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veteran farmers, and limited resource farmers; women farmers and producers growing specialty crops are generally also included in these categories.
Here is more detail on "underserved": https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers
Here is a self determination tool for "under resourced" : https://lrftool.sc.egov.usda.gov/DeterminationTool.aspx?fyYear=2024
Can a producer be enrolled both in Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities and existing Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs?
Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities is one part of USDA’s commitment to supporting agricultural producers through voluntary, incentives-driven, market-based approaches. Producers may engage in this program and participate in voluntary conservation programs delivered through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
In fact, early adopters – those who have already applied some climate-smart practices – are eligible and encouraged to be part of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities pilot projects. Federal funds under this funding opportunity may not be used to pay for implementation of the same practice on the same land. Generally, if a practice has (or had) a Federal contract and is still within the project lifespan, then that specific practice on that specific land will not be paid for again. However, an enhancement to that practice or practices implemented on other areas of the farm are acceptable for funding under Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities projects. Payments to further incentivize the climate-smart commodity generated are also acceptable.