By Blake Jackson
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced funding opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners through key conservation programs for the fiscal year 2025.
These programs, including the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), offer financial and technical support to enhance conservation efforts on agricultural lands.
While applications are accepted year-round, there are specific deadlines for the fiscal year 2025 funding.
For EQIP and AMA, the application deadlines are November 1, 2024, and March 1, 2025, respectively. CSP applications are due by January 1, 2025, for the first round of funding.
These programs are designed to help producers implement conservation practices that improve natural resources, increase land resilience, and support broader climate change mitigation efforts.
“NRCS conservation programs are good for Pennsylvania’s natural resources and for your operation’s bottom line,” said Denise Coleman, NRCS State Conservationist in Pennsylvania. “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.”
How to Apply
To be considered for the 2025 funding cycle, producers should submit applications before their state's ranking dates.
NRCS works with State Technical Committees to determine these dates, which help streamline the application evaluation process.
Applications received after these deadlines will be deferred to the next funding period.
Producers, landowners, and forest managers interested in applying for assistance should contact NRCS at their local USDA Service Center.
In Pennsylvania, the NRCS will be using the "ACT NOW" authority for applications submitted by November 1, 2024.
This process allows for quicker approval and funding for projects that meet specific criteria, such as cover crops, pollinator habitat, and stream improvements.
Program Details
AMA: Supports financial risk management through conservation practices and marketing strategies.
CSP: Enhances existing conservation efforts, benefiting grazing, crop yields, and wildlife habitat.
EQIP: Provides cost-sharing for over 170 conservation practices to address resource concerns.
Historically underserved producers are eligible for higher payments and advance payments to support the upfront costs of conservation projects.
For more information, contact your local USDA NRCS field office found at https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app or visit their website at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/pennsylvania.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Government & Policy