Orchard Origins

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced fiscal year 2022 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for key programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

While NRCS accepts applications for these programs year-round, producers and landowners should apply by state-specific application cutoff dates to be considered for this year’s funding.

 

California Application Cutoff Date:

  • Sign-up Period 1 for EQIP: December 10, 2021
  • Sign-up Period 2 for EQIP: April 1, 2022
  • EQIP – Sage Grouse Initiative: May 6, 2022
  • CSP: April 1, 2022
  • ACEP: December 1, 2021

 NRCS offers assistance at no cost to give customers personalized advice and information, based on the latest science and research, to help them make informed decisions. If a producer chooses to take the next step towards improving their operations, NRCS can work with them to develop a personalized conservation plan, with conservation practices that can help producers reach their production and conservation goals.

Applying for Assistance

NRCS accepts applications for its conservation programs year-round. State Technical Committees, composed of producers and landowners, work with NRCS to set state-specific ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding. These dates account for producer needs and staff workload, and ensure potential participants have ample opportunity to apply. Producers should apply by California-specific ranking dates to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Funding is provided through a competitive process.

Updated ranking dates for all programs and states are available at: Program Application Ranking Dates | NRCS (usda.gov)

California Ranking Dates (some dates still TBD):

  • ACEP: TBD
  • CSP: May 27, 2022
  • EQIP: Dec. 30, 2021; Jan. 14, 2022; Jan. 28, 2022; and May 27, 2022

Applications received after application deadlines will be automatically deferred to the next funding period. Producers, landowners and forest managers interested in applying for assistance should contact the NRCS at their local USDA Service Center (http://www.farmers.gov/service-locator).

Program Options

EQIP provides cost share assistance for producers to use 170-plus conservation practices to address a wide variety of resource concerns. CSP helps producers take their conservation activities to the next level through comprehensive conservation and advanced conservation activities. ACEP helps producers enroll wetlands, grasslands and farmlands into easements for long-term protection.

Historically Underserved Producer Benefits

Special provisions are also available for historically underserved producers. For EQIP, historically underserved producers are eligible for advance payments to help offset costs related to purchasing materials or contracting services up front. In addition, historically underserved producers can receive higher EQIP payment rates (up to 90% of average cost). NRCS sets aside EQIP, CSP, and ACEP funds for historically underserved producers. For more information, please visit: Historically Underserved Producers | NRCS (usda.gov)

Conservation Practices and Climate

NRCS conservation programs play a critical role in USDA’s commitment to partnering with farmers, ranchers, forest landowners and local communities to deliver climate solutions that strengthen agricultural operations and rural America. States may prioritize a variety of voluntary conservation practices through these NRCS programs, including those that support climate-smart agriculture and forestry (CSAF).

In fiscal year 2022, EQIP and CSP will provide targeted funding for CSAF practices, and Conservation Incentive Contracts – a new EQIP program – will be available on a future date nationwide with an emphasis on CSAF practices. NRCS will also prioritize climate investments through ACEP and Conservation Innovation Grants.

 

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