Two of the flagship programs through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are accepting applications for project funding for the new fiscal year. This includes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). NRCS Chief Terry Cosby talks about climate smart conservation practices and the partnership between landowners and NRCS technical staff to put these practices into action. Signups for pother NRCS …
FY24 Signup Underway for NRCS Alabama’s Easement and Financial Assistance Programs
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) has announced that signups are underway for Fiscal Year 2024 Farm Bill Easement and Financial Assistance Programs. The applicable programs include: More specifically: ACEP–WRE easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity and provide opportunities …
USDA Sees Record Interest in Conservation and Clean Energy Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has seen record interest in the conservation and clean energy programs that received funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA made nearly $20 billion available over five years for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to address continuous high demand for popular conservation programs. This will help farmers and ranchers implement expanded conservation practices …
Florida Agricultural Landowners Encouraged to Apply for EQIP, CSP & RCCP
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS in FL) is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), climate-smart practices through EQIP and CSP funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). While NRCS accepts applications for these programs year-round, Florida producers and landowners should apply by November 17, 2023,to be considered for funding in …
Conservation Funding Opportunities Available through CSP
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds producers and private landowners there are several assistance opportunities through some of their key programs. That includes the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which helps you build on existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation. Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, NRCS can custom design a CSP plan to …
GATES Act Aims to Include Larger Farms in Conservation Programs
The Growing Access to Environmental Sustainability (GATES) Act seeks to reduce barriers that producers face in accessing agricultural conservation programs. Congressman John Duarte, a farmer from California, is on the coalition behind the act. He says current adjusted gross income (AGI) limitations of $900,000 disproportionately limit producers with high input costs from participating in certain USDA conservation-focused programs. “That sounds …
USDA Opens Full-Time, Entry-Level Soil Conservationist Positions across U.S. as Part of Broader Effort to Implement the Inflation Reduction Act
(USDA-NRCS/WASHINGTON/May 5, 2023) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is quickly ramping up hiring of new team members to help implement $19.5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for conservation programs, which is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. For example, NRCS opened job announcements this week for soil conservationists. This batch of job openings is part of a broader effort …
Sign-up for IRA Funded Conservation Programs Ends May 5 in Georgia
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia reminds producers sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program’s (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) that utilize funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) ends May 5th. This signup is utilizing IRA funding to provide direct climate mitigation benefits and expand access to financial and technical assistance for producers to advance conservation on their farm, ranch or forest land. …
Georgia NRCS Signup Deadline for CSP Funding is Friday
Agricultural producers and forest landowners in Georgia looking to build on previous conservation efforts and building climate resiliency should consider one of two funding opportunities available to them this year. But the deadline to apply is Friday, March 31. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia is offering the statewide Classic Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) sign-up option for all producers in Georgia, as …
Funding Cutoff for Climate Smart Agriculture in Alabama is Friday
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama is reminding agricultural producers and forest landowners the first cut-off date to apply for funding to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices is Friday, March 24. NRCS is making funds from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) available for its conservation programs. In Alabama, applications are being accepted state-wide for both IRA-Environmental Quality Incentives Program …