COLUMBIA, November 20, 2024 – The Missouri Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Scott Edwards has announced December 20th, 2024, as the cut-off date to apply for the next available funding opportunity in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Classic and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
As the nation’s leading conservation program in terms of participating land, CSP helps farmers and ranchers protect our natural resources while enhancing the long-term sustainability of their operations. By adopting cutting-edge conservation practices, participants can boost yields, reduce costs, and contribute to a healthier environment.
Currently, an unprecedented amount of funding is available for CSP through the Inflation Reduction Act and Farm Bill. The Inflation Reduction Act provided $19.5 billion in additional funding for NRCS’ oversubscribed programs like CSP for five years. Inflation Reduction Act funds are available to help producers adopt climate-smart practices.
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) empowers agricultural producers and forest landowners to enhance their operations while safeguarding the environment. By actively managing, maintaining, and expanding conservation activities like cover crops, ecologically based pest management, buffer strips, and pollinator and beneficial insect habitat, participants can earn payments while ensuring the long-term sustainability of their land. CSP also encourages the adoption of innovative technologies and management practices, such as precision agriculture, improved grazing systems, on-site carbon sequestration, and soil health-enhancing amendments.
Benefits of CSP include:
- Increased productivity and profitability: Enhanced soil health, improved water quality, and reduced erosion can lead to higher yields and lower input costs.
- Enhanced environmental quality: Reduced nutrient and sediment runoff, improved water quality, increased carbon sequestration, and enhanced wildlife habitat.
- Resilience to climate change: Practices like cover crop and rotational grazing can help mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
- Support for organic and transitioning producers: CSP offers tailored assistance to help organic farmers maintain and improve their operations.
While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline to ensure their operations are considered for FY25 funding.
To be eligible, contract participants must 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.
Applicants must also:
- Control or own eligible land;
- Develop an NRCS CSP plan of operations;
- Provide a map(s) that identifies and delineates the boundaries of all eligible land uses and acres included in their operation; and
- Identify any ineligible land that is part of their operation.
Applications can be taken at all NRCS Missouri USDA Service Centers. To locate an office near you, please click visit the USDA Service Center website. Applications MUST be received in your local service center by 4 p.m. on Friday, December 20th, 2024.
For more information about NRCS programs and assistance, visit the NRCS Missouri website here or contact the NRCS service office serving your county. NRCS employees in county offices can provide more information about how to apply for benefits offered by NRCS.
