The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications from agricultural land owners for its voluntary conservation program.
The program works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that enhances existing efforts while improving their agricultural operations, according to a U.S.D.A. news release.
The deadline is Feb. 24 for ag land owners to apply to participate in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) in the current funding cycle.
Using new conservation practices or activities, agricultural producers can adopt practices and activities that expand on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil, and better wildlife habitat, all based on management objectives specific to their farming operation, according to the U.S.D.A. release.
“If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals,” Juan C. Hernandez, state conservationist for NRCS in Florida, said in the release. “CSP offers annual payments for implementing conservation practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts.”
Eligible CSP lands include: Associated ag land, cropland, farmstead, non-industrial private forestland, pastureland and rangeland.
Individuals who are eligible to apply include agricultural producers, Indian tribes, owners of non-industrial forestland and those with an interest in the agricultural or forestry operations.
Farm records must be established or updated with the Farm Service Agency for both the person(s) and the land for your application to be eligible and evaluated. Farm records for the person must indicate the applicant: controls or owns eligible land; is in compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements; and, meets adjusted gross income (AGI) and payment limitation provisions.
Published January 11, 2023
