The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) has announced sign-up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is underway. Agricultural producers and forest landowners looking to build on previous conservation efforts and building climate resiliency should consider one of two funding opportunities available to them this year and apply by March 8.
“The Conservation Stewardship Program continues to help our customers invest in more a sustainable future,” said Terrance O. Rudolph, state conservationist for NRCS in Georgia. “This year’s sign-up, including the IRA funding will help Georgia’s producers build a more climate resilient landscape across more communities.”
CSP-Classic provides many benefits, including increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to adverse weather. CSP is for working lands, including organic and traditional agricultural cropland and pastureland, as well as nonindustrial private forest land, and agricultural land under Indian tribe jurisdiction.
With the CSP-Inflation Reduction Act, all organic and traditional agricultural cropland and pastureland, as well as nonindustrial private forest land operators are eligible to apply for the following Climate-Smart practices and enhancement categories: Soil Health and Nutrient Management; Energy and Electrical Efficiency; Grazing and Pasture; and Agroforestry, Forestry and Upland Wildlife Habitat.
Download the Georgia CSP – Inflation Reduction Act Activities List for more information.
While NRCS-GA does accept applications for conservation programs year-round, to be included in this funding batch, interested producers should contact their local USDA Service Center and apply by March 8, 2024.