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Press Release

USDA Announces Fiscal Year 2025 Conservation Program Sign-up for Rhode Island Farmers & Forest Landowners

Sign up for ACEP, AMA, CSP, EQIP or NWQI by October 4, 2024 to be eligible for this first round of funding.
Topics
Rhode IslandAirAnimalsClimateEnergyInvasive Species and PestsLandPlantsSoilWaterWildlife HabitatCroplandsEasementsForestryInsects and PollinatorsOrganic AgricultureRange & PastureSoil HealthUrban AgricultureWetlandsWildlifeAgricultural Conservation Easement ProgramAgricultural Land EasementsAgricultural Management AssistanceConservation Stewardship ProgramEnvironmental Quality Incentives ProgramNational Water Quality InitiativeOn-Farm Energy InitiativeOrganic InitiativeWetland Reserve EasementsWorking Lands for Wildlife
Publish Date
Row crops and high and low tunnels at Luckyfoot Ranch, North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Even though the 2024 growing season isn’t over yet, it’s not too early to plan for next year!

NRCS Rhode Island announces the first FY 2025 ranking cut-off date for farmers, forest landowners, oyster growers, ranchers & urban growers to apply for conservation program funding is October 4, 2024.

Funds are available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA), National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI), and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to all eligible farmers & forest landowners through a variety of programs – from urban and small-scale farms to larger operations on rented, leased, or owned land. Not sure if any of these programs are right for you?

  • Do you want to conserve soil, water, or energy, or handle water quality, air quality, or animal waste issues?
  • Do you want to create or improve pollinator or wildlife habitat, soil health or forest health?
  • Do you want to extend your growing season or improve your pasture management?
  • Do you want to make your farm more resilient to climate change or improve overall conservation on your land?

If you answered yes to any of these, you may be eligible for technical and/or financial assistance.

Visit www.RI.nrcs.usda.gov for details about program benefits, eligibility and requirements.

Applying for Assistance

Funding is provided through a competitive process. NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round but sets state-specific ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding. These dates account for farmer needs, staff workload and ensure potential participants have ample opportunity to apply. Interested participants should apply by October 4, 2024, to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Applications received after this ranking date will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.

NRCS is a federal agency that works hand-in-hand with conservation districts and the people of Rhode Island to improve and protect soil, water, air, plants, animals, energy, habitats and other natural resources. Visit www.RI.nrcs.usda.gov for more information.

Contact

Additional Information

Agricultural Management Assistance - Rhode Island

The Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. 

Learn More

Conservation Stewardship Program - Rhode Island

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation. 

Learn More

Environmental Quality Incentives Program - Rhode Island

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to Rhode Island farmers, forest landowners, oyster growers, ranchers, and urban growers to address natural resource concerns in the Ocean State.

Learn More

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Rhode Island

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands or protect working farms and ranches through conservation easements.

Learn More

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