The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of America Division has announced up to $50 million in grant funding aimed at advancing farmer-led conservation efforts across working lands in the Gulf of Mexico watershed.

The Farmer-to-Farmer grant program will support projects focused on improving water quality, habitat restoration, environmental education and long-term resilience through innovative agricultural practices, a news release said. The EPA expects to award between 20 and 30 grants ranging from $1.5 million to $2.5 million each over a five-year period.

The program targets farmer-led and farm-focused organizations operating within the Gulf of America watershed, which spans EPA Regions 3 through 8. Alabama is part of EPA Region 4.

EPA officials said farmers play a key role in reducing nutrient pollution from nonpoint sources, which can contribute to water quality problems including harmful algal blooms and hypoxic “dead zones” in the Gulf of Mexico. Through the grant program, the agency aims to help producers test, validate and expand regenerative agricultural practices while increasing farmer engagement and data collection.

Regenerative agriculture emphasizes soil health, water management and ecological vitality to strengthen natural resources while supporting agricultural productivity. The approach aligns with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Regenerative Pilot Program.

“Farmers are among our nation’s most effective stewards of the land and conservators of our natural resources,” EPA Region 4 Administrator Kevin McOmber said in the release. “Farmer-to-Farmer project grants allow recipients to incorporate best practices and techniques that provide meaningful assistance in protecting the Gulf of America watershed.”

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, conservation districts, federally recognized tribes, state and local governments and universities. While for-profit farms and businesses generally are not eligible to apply directly, they may participate as paid partners or sub-recipients. Individual farmers may also participate through partnerships with eligible organizations such as conservation districts, cooperatives or nonprofits.

The EPA said innovative management practices on working lands can help restore soil and land health, improve long-term farm productivity and strengthen the future of American agricultural production.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity is available at www.grants.gov and www.epa.gov/gulfofamerica. Applications are due June 19.