By Scout Nelson
The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) is now available to help producers who have experienced damage due to recent severe storms. These natural disasters, including tornadoes, have left many fields in need of repair and restoration to return to full productivity.
This program is designed for producers whose land has been harmed in ways that threaten its ability to support farming or that endanger nearby natural resources. To be eligible, the damage must significantly affect agricultural use or pose a risk to land or water systems.
ECP provides cost-share assistance for restoring damaged farmland. The program helps cover debris removal, land leveling, fence restoration, repairing conservation structures, and emergency water conservation during drought. It supports up to 75% of the cost for approved conservation activities. Producers with limited resources may qualify for up to 90% assistance.
The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is dependent on available federal funding. In areas hit hardest, priority may be given based on the severity of the storm and the extent of the damage.
To apply, producers should contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office right after a disaster. Timely requests help ensure faster recovery support. The application process involves an official review of the damage, clear documentation of how the disaster impacted the land, and a description of the planned conservation efforts.
“ECP provides cost-share assistance for up to 75% of the cost of approved conservation practices. Limited-resource producers may be eligible for up to a 90% cost-share.”
Complete enrollment information, deadlines, and step-by-step guidance are available through local FSA offices. The ECP offers a vital resource for producers to recover, rebuild, and restore the health of their land.
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Categories: Kansas, Government & Policy, Weather