NRCS Maryland Announces Additional Signup for Conservation Stewardship Program

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maryland is accepting applications from agricultural producers and forest landowners for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). While NRCS accepts CSP applications year-round, Maryland producers and landowners should apply by Friday, April 25, 2025 to be considered for funding in the current cycle.  

CSP offers technical and financial assistance to help farmers, agricultural producers, and forestland owners take their conservation efforts to the next level. The program is designed to compensate participants who agree to maintain their baseline level of conservation and increase their conservation benefits by adopting additional conservation activities.

Popular conservation activities in Maryland include advanced cover crops, prescribed grazing, enhanced nutrient management, and pollinator habitat. CSP also encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and new management techniques such as precision agriculture applications and new soil amendments to improve water quality.

CSP is offered in Maryland through continuous signups. The program provides many benefits including increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to weather extremes. CSP is for working lands including cropland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest land, and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of a tribe.

For additional information or to apply for CSP, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center.