USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NCRS)
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EmailThe USDA Conservation Stewardship Program
How it Works
The USDA Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) through the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NCRS) supports producers in developing conservation plans. The program supports current or new conservation activities that support clean water and air, healthy soil, improvements in wildlife habitat, and overall agricultural practices. An NRCS conservation planner will support the activities. This five-year program provides annual payments for incorporating conservation activities on the farm.
Funding Limit
Funding varies on the project needs for 5 years
Qualifications
Applicants must meet three eligibility requirements:
Land
- Private agricultural land
- Tribal land
- Non-industrial private forest land
- Farmstead associated agricultural land
- Public land that is under the control of the applicant and part of their operation
Applicants
- Individuals
- Legal entities
- Joint operations or Indian Tribes that own or rent and currently manage land for agricultural or forest production.
- The applicant must have an adjusted gross income of less than $900,000.
- The adjusted gross income requirement does not apply to Indian Tribes.
Stewardship
“Stewardship threshold” is a term used by NRCS to determine if an applicant is addressing at least two priority natural resource concerns.
Applicants must include a stewardship threshold for at least one additional resource concern by the end of the contract on at least one land use.
Financing Geographic Area
United States