Iowa farmers interested in signing up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) have until Sept. 25 to apply to be considered for 2027 funding.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), CSP and EQIP provide financial and technical assistance for producers implementing conservation practices while maintaining agricultural production.
“CSP and EQIP help farmers implement conservation practices that are good for soil health, water quality, and the longevity of an operation,” said Kalee Olson, senior policy manager with the Center for Rural Affairs. “They provide an incentive to think outside of the box, while alleviating the financial risk that can accompany trying something new.”
CSP is designed to reward producers for new and existing conservation activities across an entire operation. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate they are currently addressing priority resource concerns on their farm or ranch and have a willingness to implement additional practices.
EQIP offers assistance for single practices or projects to help producers address a particular resource concern. Several structural practices, such as terraces, can be funded through EQIP as well.
Through both programs, the applying producer will develop a conservation plan with support from local NRCS staff to ensure the implemented practices benefit natural resources and meet the applicant’s conservation goals.
“Producers should feel empowered to reach out to NRCS for help,” Olson said. “Conservation plans can be developed at any time of the year, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If a farmer misses this year’s deadline, it’s not too soon to start planning for next year.”
Farmers interested in applying for either program are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office. A list of local offices can be found at nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center.
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