Farmer to Farmer 2024 BIL

Background
The Farmer to Farmer 2024 BIL funding opportunity is issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Region 4, specifically through the Gulf of Mexico Division (GMD). The GMD aims to facilitate collaborative actions to protect, maintain, and restore the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico while ensuring economic well-being in the region.

This funding opportunity seeks to improve water quality, habitat, resilience, and environmental education through innovative practices demonstrated on working lands within the Gulf of Mexico watershed.

Grant Details
The project activities must focus on improving water quality, habitat, or resilience within the Gulf of Mexico watershed. Key tasks include:
- Collaboration and outreach with farmers;
- Partnerships between organizations;
- Developing innovative practices in farming communities;
- Measuring results;
- Integrating these practices into farming operations.

Allowable project types include surveys, studies, research, investigations, education, training, and demonstrations involving new or experimental technologies. Specific examples of project components may include nutrient reduction strategies, habitat restoration efforts, technical training for farmers, and initiatives to enhance sustainable agricultural operations. Each project must include novel techniques for improvement, collaboration among communities, data collection for results demonstration, and effective communication of findings.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include governmental entities (state agencies, local governments), Indian tribes, institutions of higher learning, and nonprofit organizations. For-profit organizations are not eligible. There is no cost-sharing requirement for eligibility. Projects must align with Clean Water Act 104(b)(3) and demonstrate innovative approaches to pollution reduction.

Period of Performance
The anticipated project period for awards resulting from this funding opportunity will begin in Calendar Year 2025 and may extend up to three years.

Grant Value
The total estimated funding available for this opportunity is approximately $20 million. EPA anticipates awarding between 10 to 20 assistance agreements with individual awards ranging from $1 million to $2 million.

Place of Performance
All project activities must take place within the Gulf of Mexico watershed.