Funding to return land to natural state

Aug 11, 2023

OTTAWA — Dairy Farmers of Canada has introduced a new program for a farmer to get funding if he takes land out of production.

Dairy farmers will get a helping hand with the construction of habitat that will return land to wetlands, grasslands and treed areas.

Called the New Acre Project, it is a one-year pilot plan that would take 84 acres out of production, or out of future production, on an undisclosed number of dairy farms. DFC has not disclosed how much it will spend on the initiative during the pilot year or how many farms will tap into the program.

DFC says the New Acre Project is part of its commitment to achieve net zero emissions from milk production by 2050. The resulting natural areas are supposed to capture and store carbon as well as improve wildlife habitat.

The New Acre Project will be delivered by the Alternative Land Use Services organization. ALUS, a charitable organization, has been promoting ecological improvement projects on farms for decades.

Source : Farmersforum

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.