Amherst, MA (March 1, 2023) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) in Massachusetts announced today a second signup period for fiscal year 2023 financial assistance programs for agricultural producers and non-industrial private landowners under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Wetland Reserve Easement program.
While USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts applications for these programs year-round, Massachusetts producers and landowners should apply by May 19, 2023, to be considered for funding in this signup period EQIP and CSP. ACEP has an earlier National application deadline of March 17th and ranking deadline of April 14, 2023.
Through conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources and build resiliency.
“NRCS conservation programs benefit Massachusetts’s natural resources, the environment, and the agricultural operation’s bottom line,” said Dan Wright, NRCS State Conservationist in Massachusetts. “Whether this is your first time working with NRCS or you want to take conservation to the next level on your land, NRCS would like to talk with you about the opportunities these conservation programs can offer. To get started, please contact your local NRCS field office for EQIP and CSP information and the NRCS state office to learn more about the ACEP program.”
Ranking dates for all programs and states are available at www.nrcs.usda.gov/ranking-dates. Applications received after ranking dates will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.
This signup period aligns with the signups offered under the Inflation Reduction Act funded signup announced earlier this month, as well as those funded under the traditional Farm Bill funding.
Producers, landowners and forest managers interested in applying for assistance should contact the NRCS at their local USDA Service Center.
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