The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) reminds eligible entities that the Fiscal Year 2024 Farm Bill Easement and Financial Assistance Programs signup deadline is March 31, 2024 for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE).
Eligible entities may submit proposals to NRCS to acquire a conservation easement on eligible agricultural land. NRCS does not accept applications for ACEP-ALE directly from producers. Producers will need to work with an eligible entity to pursue funding for an ACEP-ALE conservation easement. Some examples of eligible entities include Land Trusts and Land Conservancies. Land types that could be eligible for ACEP-ALE include cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland with prime and statewide important soils.
All applications must be submitted to Alabama NRCS by March 31, 2024, for ACEP-ALE (from the eligible entity). Conservation program applications are available at your local USDA Service Center and at Application and Forms web page.
For more information about Alabama NRCS and Programmatic initiatives, priorities and assessment/ranking criteria, contact your local USDA Service Center.