Delaware farmers are encouraged to sign up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). CSP offers financial and technical assistance to help producers and landowners take conservation efforts to the next level while strengthening their operation.

USDA NRCS accepts CSP applications year-round; however, to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2023, Delaware producers and landowners should apply by March 24.

“CSP offers incentives to producers for maintaining a high level of stewardship on their land and helps them implement more robust conservation activities to achieve their management goals,” said Kasey Taylor, Delaware NRCS State Conservationist.

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USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is reminding Delaware landowners of the open application period for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Through ACEP, NRCS offers technical and
financial assistance for the purchase of conservation easements on eligible agricultural lands and wetlands. Although landowners and eligible entities may apply at any time, in order to be considered for FY 2023 funding, applications must be received by the following dates:

• Friday, February 17, 2023 – Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE)
• Friday, March 3, 2023 – Agricultural Land Easements (ALE)

WRE and ALE are the two easement components under ACEP, each with a different
application process. Please contact your local NRCS office to ensure you receive
guidance on the correct application process.

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The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Delaware is announcing the fiscal year 2023 signup period for Conservation Incentive Contracts (CIC), a new option available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Delaware producers should apply by February 10 to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2023. 

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program-Conservation Incentives Contracts (EQIP-CIC) is a voluntary conservation program that provides farmers increased financial and technical assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices and activities on working agricultural lands. Through EQIP-CIC, producers may be eligible for a separate payment limitation of $200,000 above the standard EQIP payment limitation.

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USDA is making available up to $7.5 million for grants through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects.   

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