NRCS Funding Opportunities
Well-established buffer and other wildlife habitat in west central Iowa fit with terraces, pond, conservation tillage and other conservation practices to form a conservation system on the land.
Financial Assistance
These programs offer financial and technical assistance to help eligible agricultural producers:
- Construct or improve water management or irrigation structures (Agricultural Management Assistance - AMA)
- Improve resource conditions such as soil quality, water quality, water quantity, air quality, habitat quality, and energy (Conservation Stewardship Program - CSP)
- Implement conservation practices, or activities, such as conservation planning, that address natural resource concerns on their land (Environmental Quality Incentives Program - EQIP)
In specific States and locations, funding may also be available for priority issues such as air quality, agricultural energy management plans, seasonal high tunnels and organic operations may be available during fiscal year 2014. Visit your State's EQIP page for more information.
Easements
These programs are available to eligible landowners to conserve working agricultural lands, wetlands, grasslands and forestlands:
- Protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land, or wetlands and their benefits, through Agricultural Land Easements or Wetland Reserve Easements (Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - ACEP)
- Help landowners restore, enhance and protect forestland resources on private lands and and promote the recovery of endangered or threatened species (Healthy Forest Reserve Program - HFRP)
EQIP Conservation Innovation Grants
The CIG awards competitive grants that stimulate the development and adoption of innovative approaches and technologies for conservation on agricultural lands.
Former Opportunities
No New Applications Accepted
Because the Wetlands Reserve Program, Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, Grasslands Reserve Program, and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program were repealed or were not reauthorized under the 2014 Farm Bill, producers may not submit new applications for them.
Existing Contracts Still Honored
Contracts, agreements or easements entered into before the 2014 Farm Bill enactment date (February 7, 2014) are still valid. If you have a preexisting contract, agreement, or easement with NRCS in one these programs, you can still refer to the program pages:
Easement Programs
Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) restored, protected, and enhanced wetlands on eligible lands.
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) protected agricultural productivity and related conservation values of the land.
Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP) restored and protected rangeland, pastureland, and other grasslands while maintaining the land’s suitability for grazing.
To apply for similar, easement conservation opportunities in the 2014 Farm Bill, please see the ACEP home page.
Financial Programs
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) improved land and water habitat for wildlife species. Please visit the EQIP home page for wildlife project conservation opportunities.
