Challenges to Scaling RCPP: A review of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program's 2023 notice of funding opportunity

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), administered by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is a partner-led, region-focused conservation program. Initially established by the 2014 Farm Bill, RCPP was significantly revised in the 2018 Farm Bill into a standalone program. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) dramatically boosted RCPP funding. The program’s detailed policies and changes are often indicated in its annual Notice of Funding Opportunity (NoFO), which guides funding availability, proposal processes, and specific program requirements. Challenges in implementation and coordination have at times jeopardized the program’s promise and led NRCS to consider opportunities to administratively optimize RCPP.

The 2023 NoFO (the first with IRA funding) included some changes to improve the program and accommodate the IRA windfall. These include an increase to the maximum award size and lower requirements for matching contributions, more inclusion of tribes and historically underserved producers, and additional flexibilities in how and when technical assistance funds can flow to projects. Increased applications for the program seem to show that partners are supportive of these changes, but the challenge will only increase as IRA funding ramps up and the deadline to expend all of its funds (2031) approaches.

NRCS should continue to think about more improvements in the NoFO, in addition to any changes it might make via improved technology, rulemaking, or statute. These changes should be especially focused on clarity, speed, and flexibility.

Like this report or have feedback you think we need? Contact Harry Huntley at hhuntley@policyinnovation.org.