Third Party Vendors

Introduction

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides conservation planning and technical assistance to agricultural producers and others who make natural resource management decisions. Third party vendors are qualified individuals who also offer this type of assistance. Producers are not required to use third party vendors, but have this option for help with their conservation plans.

Who qualifies?

Authorized in the 1996 Farm Bill, third party vendors are individuals who are appropriately certified through a recognized certification organization. Certifying organizations can be in both the private and public sectors. Private consultants, employees of agribusiness, and others who have been certified through an approved independent certification organization or a state licensing agency can be approved as a third party vendor. Employees of natural resource conservation agencies, departments, or other entities organized under local, State, or Federal law who provide planning and technical assistance as part of their jobs also can be approved as third party vendors. Other non-commercial sources, as determined by NRCS state conservationists, may also be approved.

Conservation Assistance

Conservation assistance includes both planning and technical assistance. Planning involves combining a variety of natural resource issues into a conservation plan. Technical assistance helps agricultural producers address natural resource problems and concerns on their land. Examples of technical assistance include design, layout, design modification, installation, inspection, and maintenance of conservation practices and systems dealing with natural resource management. Planning must be completed before technical assistance is provided.

Certification Process

Currently under revision.

Roles and Responsibilities

Currently under revision

For More Information

NRCS, the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Cooperative State Research, Education (CSREES), the Extension Service, or your local conservation district can provide more information. Your USDA Service Center is listed in the telephone book under U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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