NRCS
Announces Conservation Funding Opportunities for FY2022
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 22,
2021 –
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing 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), Agricultural Conservation Easement
Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership
Program (RCPP) andAgricultural
Management Assistance (AMA)program. While
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) accepts applications for these programs year-round, producers
and landowners should apply by state-specific, ranking dates to be considered
for this year’s funding. For Ohio, this includes Jan. 14, 2022 for EQIP, CSP,
RCPP, and AMA. ACEP ranking dates are Dec. 3 for Agricultural Land Easement and
Dec.17 for Wetland Reserve Program. CSP FY23 Renewal’s ranking date is
tentatively scheduled for March 31, 2022.
Through conservation programs, NRCS
provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners
make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources,
build resiliency, and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat the
impacts of climate change.
“NRCS conservation programs are good
for Ohio’s natural resources and for your operation’s bottom line,” said Lori
Ziehr, NRCS Acting State Conservationist in Ohio. “Whether
this is your first time working
with NRCS or you want to take conservation to the next level on your
land, we encourage you to contact your local NRCS field office to learn more.”
Applying for Assistance
NRCS
accepts applications for its conservation programs year-round. These dates
account for producer needs, staff workload and ensure potential participants
have ample opportunity to apply. Producers should apply by their state’s
ranking dates to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Funding is
provided through a competitive process.
Ranking dates for all programs and
states are available at nrcs.usda.gov/staterankingdates.
Applications
received after ranking dates 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, or
contact Jay McElroy for the Guernsey / Noble County NRCS Office. He can be contacted at 740-421-3370; or at
1300 Clark St. Unit 10, Cambridge, OH 43725.
Program
Options
EQIP
provides cost share assistance for producers to use 170-plus conservation
practices to address a wide variety of resource concerns. Within EQIP,
Conservation Incentive Contracts allow producers to further target priority
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. Additionally, through RCPP, producers and landowners
can work with partners who are co-investing with NRCS on targeted projects.
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.
NRCS also recently announced the availability
of funding for cooperative agreements for partners to provide outreach and
support for historically underserved producers. Applications from
individuals and entities are due Oct. 25.
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 nationwide with an emphasis
on CSAF practices. Building on these efforts, NRCS will also prioritize climate
investments through ACEP, RCPP and Conservation Innovation Grants.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration,
USDA is engaged in a whole-of-government effort to combat the climate crisis
and conserve and protect our nation’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources
including our soil, air and water. Through conservation practices and
partnerships, USDA aims to enhance economic growth and create new streams of
income for farmers, ranchers, producers and private foresters. Successfully
meeting these challenges will require USDA and our agencies to pursue a
coordinated approach alongside USDA stakeholders, including State, local and
Tribal governments.
USDA touches the lives of all
Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris
Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus
on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all
producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities,
building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using
climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in
infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing
to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a
workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
