USDA expands climate-smart grant to pork producers in 12 states

The US National Pork Board (NPB) announced last week the expansion of the Advancing US Pork Sustainability and Market Value grant program to support pork producers in nine additional states.

Originally focused on Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri, 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. 

NPB continually works to build industry partnerships and programs like this one that offer cost-share opportunities to benefit pork producers. This expansion opens new opportunities for producers to receive financial and technical support for adopting climate-smart practices.

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.

The 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.

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 US 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 US pork production and ensures that producers remain competitive in a market that increasingly values environmentally conscious practices.