By Blake Jackson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is inviting Kentucky landowners, farmers, and eligible organizations to apply for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The program supports wetland restoration and protection of working farms and ranches through conservation easements.
Applications are accepted throughout the year, but Kentucky applicants must submit their requests by November 30, 2026, to be considered for the current funding cycle.
Applications received after the deadline will be considered in the next cycle. Funding decisions are made through a competitive selection process.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides more than $34 billion for NRCS conservation programs through fiscal year 2031, including $4.05 billion for ACEP. The investment aims to strengthen agricultural conservation while delivering benefits to farmers, communities, and natural resources.
“This valuable program helps maintain the agricultural viability of the land for future generations,” said NRCS Kentucky State Conservationist, Eric Allness. “Kentucky’s farmlands are an essential part of the state’s identity and economic makeup. We must do all that we can to preserve them.”
ACEP helps protect farmland from nonagricultural development that could threaten agricultural productivity and conservation values. The program also supports grazing land conservation and wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement.
During this application period, Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) are available to eligible private and Tribal landowners seeking to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands previously degraded by agricultural activities.
Interested applicants can contact their local NRCS Kentucky field office or USDA Service Center. They may also reach Easement Specialist Brad Brown at Bradley.brown@usda.gov or 270-821-4430 for additional information and application assistance.
Photo Credit: gettyimage-jamesbrey
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy