Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Signups for the Inflation Reduction Act

Farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers can sign up for additional conservation programs through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Applications can be submitted to the local NRCS field offices through April 7, 2023.

CSP-IRA is a little different than the CSP Classic Program, as this signup specifically targets “climate and clean energy.” CSP-IRA applications must include at least one core Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry (CSAF) conservation practice or activity that directly improves soil carbon, reduces nitrogen losses, or reduces, captures, avoids or sequesters carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous emissions associated with agricultural productions. Facilitating practices or activities that are needed to implement the core practice may also be included.

CSP participants earn an annual payment for five years, which enables them to achieve a greater level on conservation and stewardship.

Producers should contact their local NRCS field office for additional information and guidance regarding the signup process or visit the “Getting Started With NRCS” website.

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NRCS is taking IRA-EQIP applications received by May 19, 2023 for the FY2023 funding opportunity

USDA NRCS is taking applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 using Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). IRA funds will provide direct climate mitigation benefits and will expand access to financial and technical assistance for producers to advance conservation on their farm, ranch or forest land through practices like cover cropping, conservation tillage, wetland restoration, prescribed grazing, nutrient management, tree planting and more.

Applying for Assistance The NRCS accepts applications for its conservation programs year-round however, applications must be submitted by the dates above to be considered for funding in FY2023. Applications received after the above will be automatically deferred to the next funding period. Producers, landowners, and forest managers interested in applying for assistance should contact the local NRCS Field Office. Applicants are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their local FSA County Office when applying for NRCS programs to establish or update records. Local NRCS Field Offices and FSA County Offices can be located using the USDA Service Center Locator.  

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas recently announced grant opportunities for partners to receive funding through the Texas Partners for Conservation Program.

The application period opened February 24 and closes on April 24, 2023. 

NRCS will host an online webinar on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 10-11:00 a.m. (Central) to provide information to the public on applying for the grant. The public can join the meeting via phone at: Phone: 469-294-4461, Conference ID: 474-726-593, or dial in via Microsoft Teams using the link and passcode information below:

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 289 210 679 774  Passcode: v8yUxH Join on the web

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Producers in [Duval] County are eligible to apply for 2023 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) benefits on [ native pasture, improved pasture.]

LFP provides compensation if you suffer grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash leased land or fire on federally managed land.

County committees can only accept LFP applications after notification is received by the National Office of qualifying drought or if a federal agency prohibits producers from grazing normal permitted livestock on federally managed lands due to qualifying fire. 

You must complete a CCC-853 and the required supporting documentation no later than [December 31st] , 2023, for 2023 losses.

For additional information about LFP, including eligible livestock and fire criteria, contact the [Duval] County USDA Service Center at [361-256-3342x2] or visit fsa.usda.gov.

NAP provides financial assistance to you for crops that aren’t eligible for crop insurance to protect against lower yields or crops unable to be planted due to natural disasters including excessive wind and qualifying drought (includes native grass for grazing).

To receive payment, you had to purchase NAP coverage for 2023 crops and file a notice of loss the earlier of 15 days of the occurrence of the disaster or when losses become apparent or 15 days of the final harvest date.

For hand-harvested crops and certain perishable crops, you must notify FSA within 72 hours of when a loss becomes apparent.

Eligible crops must be commercially produced agricultural commodities for which crop insurance is not available, including perennial grass forage and grazing crops, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, floriculture, ornamental nursery, aquaculture, turf grass, ginseng, honey, syrup, bioenergy, and industrial crops.

For more information on NAP, contact your [Duval] County USDA Service Center at [361-256-3342x2] or visit fsa.usda.gov/nap.