Expand and Deliver Conservation Funding

Without resources for staffing and distribution, critical programs stall and America’s producers are left behind. We’re advocating for the long-term protection of conservation funding and increased capacity to deliver it—ensuring dollars actually reach farmers on the ground.

Our Goals

Invest In Our Land is bridging the gap between policymakers and farmers to ensure vital conservation funding gets into the hands of the hardworking farmers who need it.

Increase federal funding for agricultural conservation

specifically, programs and practices that increase resilience, strengthen farms and support climate mitigation.

Make sure the conservation programs farmers rely on actually work

by strengthening the system that delivers them, from the local office to the state and federal level.

Build awareness and producer demand for conservation practices

that have the biggest impact on soil, air, water quality and climate.

Conservation Funding: By the Numbers

~25.25 million

U.S. acres benefit from conservation program funding each year (2014–2024).

~51,937

Farmer contracts issued annually across EQIP, ACEP, RCPP, and CSP programs (2014–2024).

108,610

Farmer applications went unfunded in 2024 alone—showing demand for conservation programs far exceeds available resources.

$51 billion

In conservation program funding at risk through 2050.

The State of Conservation Funding

Recent federal legislation signed into law included a provision that significantly boosted long-term federal funding for conservation programs for American producers. However, US farmers’ access to these critical conservation programs remains at risk, as staffing cut and funding freezes threaten the ability to get program funding into farmers’ hands.

“Conservation programs help keep American agriculture competitive…We want food security and I want to protect that.”

– Grady Heitmann, Heitmann Family Ranch, South Dakota

Hear from Other Farmers

Invest in Our Land in Action

Invest In Our Land is committed to bringing farmers and policymakers together to protect the future of American agriculture. View some of our recent work here:

On your commute, showing congress, farmers, and Americans what is at stake.

Protect our farmers. Protect our food. Protect our families. — On the wrapper of the Washington Post, delivered directly to the Hill.

At Ag Progress Days in Pennsylvania, Rep. GT Thompson listening to remarks by local conservation farmers.

In Pennsylvania at Ag Progress Days, a multi-acre crop circle engaging policymakers and the public.

Creating “Portraits of Conservation”, a large-scale photo installation at Dakotafest 2025, featuring portraits of local conservation farmers and ranchers.

With Rep. Dusty Johnson, adding his photo to the “Portraits of Conservation” installation at the Corn Palace in South Dakota.

During “Portraits of Conservation” at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, featuring nearly 400 portraits of South Dakotans in support of conservation funding.

On Capitol Hill, meeting with legislators.

In the Rayburn Foyer, honoring farmers and ranchers from across the nation in a large-scale art installation.

In members' offices, sharing our stories.

Meeting directly with our decision makers in Washington.

In the halls of Congress, during the debut of a large-scale art installation.

Policy News

December 10, 2025 / DTN Progressive Farmer

Regenerative Ag and MAHA Now Linked | By Chris Clayton, DTN Ag Policy Editor

USDA will spend up to $700 million to help more farmers use regenerative agricultural practices as part of the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. The pilot program will use $400 million from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and $300 million from the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and will also leverage private funding to promote conservation practices such as cover crops while helping farmers reduce the use of chemicals such as pesticides. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the pilot program on Wednesday with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

September 22, 2025

Federal Conservation Programs Strengthen America’s Farmers, Ranchers, & National Security

The hard work farmers do each day has never been more important — however, our farmers are currently facing a variety of tough challenges that threaten their ability to do their jobs.

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