USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama has announced the first program batching date for Fiscal Year 2022 Conservation Easements and Financial Assistance Programs will be November 12, 2021. NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Programs in Alabama, Steve Musser, explains what programs are involved in this signup.
While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, funding is completed periodically through batching periods with specific cutoff dates. The first application batching date is November 12, 2021. Applications received after this date will be held and evaluated for subsequent funding opportunities as available funds permit.
Special emphasis participants like socially disadvantaged, limited resource, new and beginning, and eligible military veteran farmers and ranchers are eligible for a higher payment rate. In addition, these historically underserved farmers and ranchers are eligible for a 50 percent advanced payment for purchasing materials or contracting to help with practice implementation in EQIP.
For more information, contact your local USDA Service Center, or go to the Alabama NRCS website.