1. Preserve and Protect Agricultural Land

Goal: Reduce the loss of productive working lands and safeguard the long-term viability of America’s agricultural landscapes.

• Expand targeted conservation easement programs to slow the loss of 5,000 acres of farmland per day.
• Partner with local governments and land trusts to prioritize farmland preservation.
• Advocate for policies that incentivize keeping land in agricultural production.
• Promote regenerative practices that strengthen soil health and ensure long-term productivity and profitability.
• Integrate whole farm planning into conservation efforts to provide comprehensive support to farmers. 

2. Shift to Outcome-Based Conservation and Farmer Empowerment

Goal: Measure success through outcomes and empower farmers with data, recognition, and market access.

• Move beyond acres and dollars to track real improvements in water management, soil health, and natural vitality.
• Recognize farmers as the heroes of conservation and highlight their accomplishments through data.
• Support precision agriculture and digital farming tools to enhance productivity and profit.
• Help farmers achieve their goals and receive regulatory and marketplace credit for the voluntary work they have accomplished.

3. Recenter Field Engagement and Technical Assistance

Goal: Re-establish NRCS’s presence in the field to deliver hands-on, personalized support to farmers while building and equipping the next generation of conservation professionals..

• Reallocate staff time from administrative tasks to direct, field-based service delivery.
• Train and deploy certified conservation planners quickly and effectively.
• Build the next robust generation of technical service providers to ensure producers continue receiving expert, on-the-ground support.
• Flip the service model: meet farmers where they are, not just in the office.
• Use mobile tools and digital platforms to co-create conservation plans on-site.

4. Expand Wildlife Conservation and Outdoor Access

Goal: Strengthen voluntary conservation efforts that improve wildlife habitat, expand outdoor access, and support rural communities while respecting private property rights and keeping working lands productive.

• Support voluntary, landowner-led conservation that improves wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Expand access for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation through locally led partnerships.
• Work with farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, states, and tribes to deliver practical conservation solutions on working lands.
• Strengthen rural economies by connecting conservation outcomes with outdoor recreation and land stewardship.
• Ensure wildlife conservation efforts remain incentive-based, locally driven, and respectful of private property rights.

5. Strengthen Partnerships by Streamlining Processes and Accountability

Goal: Leverage partnerships as force multipliers while reducing internal friction to accelerate conservation outcomes.

• Accept third-party certified conservation plans that meet or exceed NRCS standards.
• Strengthen local decision-making while maintaining scientific integrity. 
• Increase accountability while simultaneously improving responsiveness and services to producers.
• Align partner strengths to maximize measurable conservation plans for producers.
• Support on-farm partnerships that deliver Farmer First, direct-to-producer, conservation services and payments.

6. Optimize Mission Delivery by Strengthening Workforce Culture

Goal: Allow employees to thrive by empowering them to establish a culture based on trust, transparency, and individual growth.

• Recruit and employ candidates with up-to-date technology knowledge and expertise.
• Work to retain experienced and highly skilled employees to share their knowledge with early professionals, thus maintaining a knowledgeable workforce.
• Develop and implement a detailed and all-encompassing nationwide training plan to support workforce in acquisition of new skills and improvement of existing competencies.
• Ensure employees are participating in opportunities that enhance professional development.
   

7. Modernize NRCS Infrastructure and Technology

Goal: Transform NRCS into a digitally agile agency that empowers staff and farmers through modern tools and systems.

• Ensure adequate broadband connectivity in every county office to eliminate digital bottlenecks.
• Integrate core software systems into a unified, cloud-based platform for in-field technical service.
• Implement a “One Farmer, One File” system to streamline data access and reduce duplication.
• Replace paper-heavy workflows with real-time digital conservation planning.