Money, Technical Help Available to Agricultural, Forestry Producers from New Conservation Program

PHOENIX, August 14, 2009 - Agricultural and forestry producers who want to improve their land’s natural resources can apply for help from the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Sept. 30 is the first application deadline for CSP, although applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

CSP is a voluntary program that encourages agricultural and forestry producers to maintain existing conservation work and adopt new conservation activities. The program was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill and is administered by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Eligible applicants include operators of private agricultural land, private forest land, and Indian tribes. CSP is a national program, but each state has the flexibility to determine its own resource concerns. In Arizona, priority will be given in the following areas:

Agricultural Land: Air Quality, Animals, Energy, Plants, and Water Quantity
Forestry: Animals, Plants, Soil Erosion

To apply for CSP, applicants are asked to use a self-screen checklist. The checklist is available on the NRCS-Arizona Conservation Stewardship Program web page or at your local NRCS field office. After the self-screening, applicants will meet with their local NRCS field office staff and complete an assessment that will determine eligibility, ranking, and funding.

Find out which of our 24 field offices are closest to you for assistance, or call 620-280-8842 for more information.
 

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