NRCS California’s Conservation Funding Assistance Deadline for Producers

DAVIS, Calif., September 11, 2025 - The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California announces Fiscal Year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) federal assistance opportunities for agricultural producers, including through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program(ACEP). While NRCS accepts applications for these programs year-round, interested applicants should apply no later than November 21, 2025, for the application cutoff period.

Applications are currently being accepted through November 21, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

"EQIP, CSP, and ACEP are amazing tools that empower our producers to turn their conservation plans into action to protect our land and natural resources. They are how NRCS partners with producers to Keep Farmers Farming," said California State Conservationist Carlos Suarez.

Application cutoff periods allow NRCS to screen and rank applications for those with the highest conservation benefits across California's landscapes, including cropland, ranchlands, and private non-industrial forestlands. Additional signups may be announced at later dates.

EQIP provides financial assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits. These include improved water and air quality, improved irrigation efficiency, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, forest restoration, organic and creating or enhancing wildlife habitat.

CSP provides eligible producers annual payments for actively managing, maintaining, and expanding conservation activities integrated within their agricultural operations. CSP enhancements like cover crops, forestry management, livestock grazing management, irrigation water management, and ecologically based pest management help producers improve various natural resource conditions. Other CSP activities are available to help sustain and increase pollinator, wildlife, and beneficial insect habitats in harmony with the agriculture production and operation.

ACEP offers two easement options, Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE).

ALE funds are provided to eligible entities to cost-share the purchase of conservation easements that protect farming and ranching on privately owned cropland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forestland, pastureland, and grasslands of special environmental significance. Approved agricultural easements would prevent productive working lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses and maximize protection of land devoted to food production. Landowners are encouraged to work with a local eligible entity to apply for the program, such as a land trust or non-governmental organization with an established record of conserving farms and ranches.

WRE compensates farmers, ranchers and other private landowners for land placed in wetland conservation easements and shares the cost of restoring degraded wetlands. Eligible landowners can choose to enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement. Tribal landowners also have the option of enrolling in a 30-year contract. WRE also includes a Grazing Reserve Rights option which allows participants with an approved wetland and grazing management plan to enroll grazed land.

Applying forAssistance

Applicants seeking financial assistance are required to meet Farm Bill Program eligibility in conjunction with the Farm Service Agency, which includes meeting the Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Compliance requirements and the Adjusted Gross Income limits.

NRCS accepts conservation program applications year-round. To find out more about our application process or to begin an application, please contact your local NRCS Service Center by visiting here.

Technical Assistance

NRCS offers conservation technical assistance at no cost to give producers personalized advice and information, based on the latest science and research, to help them make informed decisions. If a producer chooses to take the next step towards improving their operations, NRCS staff can work with them to develop a free, personalized conservation plan, with conservation practices that can help them reach their agricultural production and conservation goals.

The voluntary conservation plan defines and explains existing resources in a simple, easy to understand manner. Typically, the plan will include land use maps, soils information, inventory of resources, engineering notes, and other supporting information. One benefit to landowners who work with an NRCS professional conservationist to develop a plan is an increased potential for participating in financial assistance programs and is a good first step in the overall process.

NRCS has provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America's private landowners and managers conserve their soil, water, and other natural resources since 1935.

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