Conservation Stewardship Program Application Deadline Announced by NRCS Texas – Gilmer Mirror
TL/DR –
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has increased the minimum annual payment for agricultural producers in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) from $1,500 to $4,000, starting in 2024. The increase aims to address challenges faced by small scale, underserved, and urban producers making participation more financially beneficial for smaller operations. Interested applicants must apply for enrollment into the CSP by January 26, 2024, and the $19.5 billion additional funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act is available to help producers adopt climate-smart practices.
Temple, Texas, December 11, 2023
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is accepting applications until Jan. 26, 2024. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is increasing the minimum annual payment from $1,500 to $4,000 starting in 2024, improving equity and appealing to smaller operations.
“This increase ensures more producers see value in participating in CSP,” said Kristy Oates, State Conservationist for NRCS Texas. “With Inflation Reduction Act funding, we can expand conservation across Texas.”
CSP enables farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to enhance their existing conservation efforts and strengthen their operations. CSP participants earn an annual payment for 5 years for improving their conservation and stewardship levels.
CSP offers technical and financial assistance for agriculture and forest producers to develop advanced conservation efforts. The program rewards producers who increase their conservation levels and maintain an established baseline.
Funding for CSP through the Inflation Reduction Act and Farm Bill is unprecedented. The Act provided $19.5 billion for oversubscribed programs like CSP for five years, allowing producers to adopt climate-smart practices.
NRCrecently announced an increase in the number of Climate-Smart Agricultural and Forestry Mitigation Activities eligible for Inflation Reduction Act funding for 2024.
How to Apply
NRCS accepts applications year-round. However, for CSP consideration, apply by Jan. 26, 2024. Funding is provided competitively and will address previous unmet demands. For more information, contact your local USDA Service Center.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system, focusing on resilient local and regional food production, fair markets, safe and nutritious food access, and climate-smart practices. Learn more at usda.gov.
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