Navigating NRCS

Overview of project

Recursos Para Fincas Resilientes

We know that small farms are deeply connected to their landscape and farmers often strive to be good stewards of the land’s resources. We also know that access to tangible resources is critical, especially for farmers historically and currently excluded from federal agricultural programs.

The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can be one of these critical farm resources, but being highly competitive, barriers to their cost-share assistance still exist.  To increase farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial forest owners’ eligibility for NRCS assistance, RAFI, in partnership with regional organizations and farms, is providing resources, trainings, network connections, and one-on-one technical assistance for conservation enhancements on their land in 11 southeastern states, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands.  

Some of the ways we can help are:

  • Understanding NRCS eligibility, programs, and popular initiatives
  • Identifying resource concerns and conservation practices that could qualify your land for NRCS assistance
  • Completing necessary forms to apply for NRCS cost-share assistance
  • Making successful contact with your local NRCS agent
  • Connect you to other farmers with successful NRCS conservation projects

Intake Form in English: Southeast U.S. and USVI farmers

Start

Para agricultores(as) con interés en programas del NCRS

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Unfamiliar with NRCS?

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) program assists farmers and ranchers with information, planning, and financial assistance to develop or enhance conservation practices on land they manage. Upon meeting certain qualifications, a designated federal NRCS staff person in your region should help you create and implement a land conservation plan and apply for financial assistance if desired. Farmers of Color, US Veterans, New and Beginning Farmers, and Limited Resource Farmers may receive more financial assistance as “Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers” through higher payment rates and advance payments to kickstart their farm enhancement projects.

Subaward Organizations

Conservation enhancements could include one-time installations or ongoing practices that reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility and carbon sequestration, improve shade or shelter for livestock, improve water availability and quality, improve crop, forage, livestock, wildlife, and forest health and biodiversity, and improve energy efficiency in farm operations and structures.

Consultants

Jacob Crandall
Anita Roberson of Botanical Bites and Provisions, LLC

Learn more about Technical Assistance

Having support from someone who can understand your desires and needs is important!  We will connect you to a RAFI staff member or partner who can assist you with technology needs and your resource conservation goals in your specific location.  

Download useful material here.

NRCS Mythbusters

EQIP 
Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry

Other USDA resources

NRCS Specific resources