October 1st was the beginning of a new fiscal year for the U.S. Government, and that includes many programs that farmers and ranchers across Florida take part in. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is off and rolling with the new year, and Florida State Conservationist Juan Hernandez is very optimistic about the year ahead.
Through conservation programs, Florida NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat the impacts of climate change.
Some of those key programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
NRCS accepts applications for its conservation programs year-round. To learn more, contact your local USDA Service center.