The USDA has awarded private and non-profit organizations funding to help advance innovation. This and other Climate-Smart Programs are funded by USDA but fully administered by private organizations. That means we’ve reduced the paperwork and have the autonomy to provide more robust support and incentives than traditional farm bill programs. Farm Journal’s Climate-Smart Connected Ag Project is a 5-year pilot program that will help inform the next generation of cost-sharing and technical assistance using data management as the foundation for producers to generate access to new markets and premiums for their production systems.  

This is a rare opportunity for producers to shape conservation programs in ways that align with their operation and what they need most. The Connected Ag Project puts farmers in the center of decision-making to understand your goals and priorities. Farmers must be actively involved in shaping the future of farm bill programs for them to work for mainstream producers. This is your chance to be part of that process while being rewarded for the work you’re doing.  

No, the Connected Ag Project covers a variety of farm types, sizes, and styles of operations, however, is restricted to producers in 19 states featured above. 

All specialty crops, as defined by USDA, are eligible. This includes fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. 

The Project will prioritize participation from women, Latinx, Black, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, veterans, small-farm operators, beginning farmers and specialty crop producers who have historically been underserved by USDA programs. 

Many of the Climate-Smart Practices and data management tools available through the project are geared towards livestock operations.  Please apply to determine if these options are right for your operation. 

1. Eligible producers enroll in the Connected Ag Project by signing a Producer Enrollment Form. 
2. Technical Advisors from the Trust In Food team as well as our trusted partners, will work with producers to develop an implementation plan for climate-smart agriculture practices specific to each farm or ranch. 
3. Producers will utilize a software platform from one of our trusted partners, AgriWebb, Trimble, and AGI, who will assist in collecting the on-farm data needed. 
4. Producers will receive on-going technical assistance as well as financial assistance for adopting climate-smart agriculture practices. 
5. TIF will capture data regarding the impact of climate-smart agriculture practices implemented on-farm anonymously (all data remains with the producer and is kept secure). 

There are no upfront fees for enrolling in the program. With our partners, software licenses for data management are included in the program. Enrolled producers will have to cover upfront costs to implement practices and then be reimbursed on a cost-share basis. 

Data gathered is yours to keep and will be kept confidential. The name of your operation and your data will not be shared. The results of all on-farm data collected will be made anonymous and pulled into an aggregate data report. Data is simply the quantification of your production methods. By capturing this information and sharing it with buyers, you can add value to your produce for aggregators, food companies, restaurants and consumers.