Kansas NRCS Announces Fiscal Year 2024 Farm Bill and IRA EQIP and CSP Funding

Kris R. Ethridge, Acting State Conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), announced the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 application deadline of Friday, November 17, 2023, for both the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Kansas is projected to have over $70 million in Farm Bill and Inflation Reduction Act dollars to help producers improve the natural resources on their land. “Farmers can adopt structural, vegetative, and management practices to help with their identified natural resource concerns on working agricultural lands,” said Ethridge. “Kansans can benefit from water conservation, soil health, and grassland conservation with multiple available practices.”

NRCS accepts conservation program applications on a continuous basis and makes funding decisions throughout the year. Interested Kansas agricultural producers and landowners must apply during the initial application period for FY 2024 financial assistance by Friday, November 17, 2023.

All contract participants must meet Farm Bill Program eligibility. Eligibility includes working with the Farm Service Agency (FSA), to report the Highly Erodible Land (HEL), Wetland Compliance requirements, and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limits. To be eligible for financial assistance for NRCS programs, the application will be based upon identified resource concerns. A conservation plan will be developed based upon the NRCS nine-step planning process.

"We are excited to announce the application deadline for EQIP and CSP programs in 2024, providing support to Kansas agricultural producers and landowners. This funding opportunity underscores our commitment to addressing resource concerns on diverse lands, from traditional farms to urban and wildlife habitats. We encourage producers to apply to ensure that our shared conservation goals are met while adhering to program requirements. Technical assistance is readily available at local Service Centers, and we look forward to working together to protect and enhance Kansas's natural resources,” stated Ethridge.

Source: usda.gov