FAQs

The National Center for Appropriate Technology’s (NCAT) technical service options for BSBE include the following:

• 328: Conservation Crop Rotations
• 340: Cover Crops
• 345: Reduced Tillage
• 528: Grazing and pastures
• 386: Field Borders
• 422: Hedgerow Plantings
• 379: Forest Farming
• 381: Silvopasture
• 391: Riparian Buffers
• 311: Alley Cropping
• 612: Tree & Shrub Establishment
• 645: Habitat management

Farmers accepted into BSBE should look to commit to the program until March 2028. Farmers will be expected to participate in semi-annual soil sampling (at no cost) and reporting. There will be convenings 1-2 times a year, and while attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged. Additional CSAF field days will be offered, which will also be optional.

The producer is defined as the enrolled party. Any employees or registered agents of the producer may travel to represent that farm. Lodging and meal expenses cannot exceed $215/day, regardless of the number of attendees representing the producer. Transportation will be reimbursed at the current government rate for mileage.

No match is required by the farmer. However, if farmers are investing a match, that information is welcome for the purposes of the Climate-Smart Commodities research.

If funding is cut to the program, it’s important to note that all reimbursement requests will continue to be processed until all available program funds are liquidated. Once this point is reached, no more reimbursements can be paid out. We can request reimbursements from the USDA every 30 days.

Falsifying or producing misleading information to receive payments would make the farmer retroactively non-compliant and those funds will be required to be reimbursed.

Farmers will complete a CPA-52 with help from NCAT to access these act requirements. These determinations are federal codes, so it will be an assessment of objective measures, not a subjective determination.

There is no obligation to follow NCAT’s advice. However, farmers are required to adopt a minimum of one of the twelve BSBE-approved practices. NCAT serves as a partner to help educate farmers, answer questions, and support the development of farmer’s Climate-Smart Farm Plan.

Any data that Accelerating Appalachia has about the farmer is gathered solely from the farmer, so any data we have, the farmer already has. Soil sampling results can be shared with the farmer upon request.

The USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding primarily aims to sequester significant carbon over time and market the value of soil improvement CSAF practices. Therefore, projects involving 10 acres should be focused on agroforestry, while all other projects must commit to a minimum of 20 acres.

Conservation Crop Rotation involves the planned sequence of different crops in a specific field over a defined period. The primary goal is to improve soil health, prevent erosion, manage pests, and enhance nutrient availability. It promotes the diversification of crops, which helps break pest and disease cycles, reduce soil erosion, and improve soil structure. This practice may involve planting cash crops, cover crops, and forage crops in a rotation system.

Cover Crops are non-commercial crops planted primarily to cover and protect the soil during fallow periods or between cash crop seasons. These crops help prevent erosion, improve soil health, and enhance nutrient cycling. Cover crops also contribute to weed suppression, moisture retention, and increased organic matter content. The choice of cover crops depends on specific objectives, such as nitrogen fixation, soil improvement, or weed control.

Reduced Tillage refers to the practice of minimizing soil disturbance during seedbed preparation and crop establishment. It aims to maintain residue cover on the soil surface, minimize erosion, and enhance soil health. This practice helps improve water infiltration, retain soil moisture, and reduce fuel and labor requirements. Reduced tillage systems can include strip tillage, ridge tillage, or no-till, depending on the level of soil disturbance.

Grazing and Pastures practices focus on managing and improving pastureland for livestock production. This includes rotational grazing systems, proper stocking rates, and maintaining vegetative cover to prevent overgrazing and soil erosion. These practices promote healthy forage growth, optimize livestock performance, and enhance the ecological balance of grassland ecosystems. Additional measures may include fencing, water development, and erosion control in grazing areas.

Alley Cropping involves planting rows of trees or shrubs at wider spacing intervals, creating alleys where annual or perennial crops are cultivated. This practice combines agricultural production with tree or shrub establishment to provide multiple benefits. The trees or shrubs serve as windbreaks, reduce soil erosion, provide shade, fix nitrogen, and contribute to long-term sustainable land management.

Forest Farming is a practice that integrates the cultivation of specialty crops, medicinal plants, or non-timber forest products within a managed forest. It aims to enhance forest health, biodiversity, and economic opportunities. Forest farming practices can include growing mushrooms, ginseng, fruits, nuts, or other value-added products under the forest canopy while ensuring sustainable forest management principles.

Silvopasture combines trees or woody vegetation with livestock grazing in a managed system. This practice provides shade for animals, diversifies income sources, and improves overall land productivity. Silvopasture systems integrate forage production with the growth of trees for timber, fruits, nuts, or other marketable products. It offers benefits such as carbon sequestration, reduced erosion, and enhanced wildlife habitat.

Riparian Buffers involve establishing and maintaining vegetation along water bodies such as streams, rivers, or lakes. These buffers help filter and control sediment and nutrient runoff, stabilize stream banks, and provide wildlife habitat. Riparian buffers also contribute to water quality improvement, flood control, and shade provision, promoting healthier aquatic ecosystems.

Field Borders involve establishing permanent or semi-permanent vegetation along the edges of fields. These vegetation strips act as buffers, protecting crops and adjacent water bodies from sediment, nutrients, and pesticide runoff. Field borders also provide habitat for wildlife, enhance biodiversity, and promote beneficial insects that can assist in pest control. Planting native grasses, wildflowers, or woody vegetation are common practices for field borders.

Hedgerow Plantings are rows of trees, shrubs, or other vegetation established to serve as barriers or living fences. Hedgerows help reduce wind erosion, enhance wildlife habitat, and provide pollinator resources. They also contribute to biodiversity conservation, water infiltration, and can act as windbreaks to protect crops or livestock.

Tree and Shrub Establishment involves the planting of trees and shrubs for various purposes, such as windbreaks, wildlife habitat, erosion control, or agroforestry systems. This practice focuses on selecting appropriate species, providing proper site preparation, and implementing suitable planting techniques to ensure successful establishment and growth of trees and shrubs.

Habitat Management practices aim to create or enhance wildlife habitats on agricultural lands. This can include establishing native grasses, shrubs, or other plant species that provide food, shelter, and breeding areas for wildlife. Habitat management practices can also involve the creation of wetlands, nesting structures, or other habitat features to support specific wildlife species.