The "Farmer to Farmer 2024 BIL" funding opportunity aims to improve water quality, habitat, resilience, and environmental education in the Gulf of Mexico watershed through innovative farming practices. Managed by the EPA's Gulf of Mexico Division, this program seeks to support farmer-led or farm-focused organizations. The total estimated funding available is $20 million, with individual awards ranging from $1 million to $2 million, distributed across 10 to 20 projects. Each project will have a duration of up to three years. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by January 28, 2025.

The program targets working lands within the Gulf of Mexico watershed and encourages partnerships between organizations. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher learning. For-profit entities are ineligible, as are nonprofit organizations that engage in lobbying activities. The scope of the work must align with the Clean Water Act, focusing on activities such as research, education, and demonstration of new practices to address issues like nutrient pollution, habitat conservation, and resilience to climate impacts.

Applicants must focus on implementing novel or innovative methods to enhance water quality, habitat, and agricultural resilience. These include practices like nutrient runoff reduction, habitat restoration, and sustainable forestry. Collaboration and outreach are required elements, aiming to build capacity within farming communities. Each project must incorporate data collection and analysis to evaluate outcomes, as well as communicate results to inform future farm management.

The application review will consider the quality of the project design, including the clarity of the proposed approach and alignment with EPA's strategic goals. Applicants will be evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate environmental results, maintain a clear schedule of milestones, and conduct effective outreach to farmers and stakeholders. Additional points may be given for projects engaging historically underserved farmers and ranchers.

Awards will be in the form of grants or cooperative agreements, depending on the level of EPA involvement. Cooperative agreements will involve close collaboration with the EPA, including regular performance monitoring and approval of key project elements. Successful applicants will be notified by April 2025, with the anticipated start date for projects being later that year.