NRCS Announces Batching Deadline for ACEP-ALE Applications.
"WASHINGTON, DC- December 15, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced the establishment of a national January 15, 2026 batching deadline for the first funding round of key conservation programs. This national batching date ensures producers have a clear, consistent timeline for participating in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA). This includes NRCS’ new Regenerative Pilot Program, which provides targeted Farmer First assistance through EQIP and CSP.
“The NRCS team continues its commitment to America’s producers — advancing conservation, strengthening service delivery, and keeping our promise to the men and women who feed and fuel our nation,” said NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt. “Our mission is clear: empower farmers, protect our natural resources, and deliver on President Trump’s ‘Farmers First’ vision.”
NRCS programs are continuous sign-up programs, but due to the government shutdown, the agency is implementing an initial national batching period to ensure producers have access to funding and support.
Updated NRCS Program Timelines
- All NRCS conservation programs remain continuous sign-up.
- Farmers and ranchers have until January 15, 2026,to apply for the first batching period.
- National and State Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) will follow later in the year.
- PL-566 and Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) opportunities remain open for sponsors based on available funding.
Programs with a January 15, 2026, batching period deadline include:
For more information, please visit nrcs.usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center.
In Washington State if you are interested in exploring an Agricultural Conservation Easement through ACEP, please contact Carlee Elliott to schedule a preapplication meeting"
Carlee Elliott can be reached by email at: carlee.elliott@usda.gov
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