Conservation Planning and USDA Programs

Date:

Friday, April 23, 2021

Time: 

10:00am – 11:30am

Location:

Virtual Session  

Cost:

Free

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has funding to help producers develop conservation plans, support working lands, promote good land stewardship practices, and address or mitigate resource concerns.  Do you often wonder if the USDA Conservation programs are a good fit for the small, beginning, organic, or socially disadvantaged farmers?

While some of us might know about projects that can be funded through the EQIP (high tunnels), AMA (irrigation), or CSP (cover crops/soil health practices) programs, do you ever ask yourself, how does the process work?  How do I work with to a USDA Conservation Planner to get started?  How much acreage do producers need to enroll?  How “small” is too small for this program?  Does NRCS offer translation for non English Language farmers?

Register to join us on Friday, April 23rd from 10 - 11:30 am EST to get all these questions answered and more!

Join representatives from New Entry, NSAC, and NRCS to learn about:

  •     NRCS Conservation Planning Process
  •     Financial Assistance Programs; specifically focusing on the Conservation Stewardship Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and the Agricultural Management Assistance Program.
  •     Considerations when working with Farmers

Check out NSAC's Farmers' Guide to the Conservation Stewardship Program.

Updated in November 2020, this guide explains how CSP works, provides examples of the program in action, and helps producers assess whether the program is a good fit for their farm.  If a farmers is in the process of applying, the guide walks you through the steps involved in applying for and using CSP, learning about the conservation activities CSP can help you fund and implement, and explains how a farm will be ranked, how payments work, and what reporting requirements are necessary once you are enrolled in the program. Check it out!

This webinar is coordinated by New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions or Accommodations?  USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.  If special accommodation is needed to ensure equal participation, please call 617-636–3793 at least two business days prior to the meeting.  Feel free to reach out to Jennifer Hashley, New Entry Director with any questions.