USDA is Now Accepting Applications for The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

JACKSON, Miss., Sept. 29, 2025 - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The deadline to be considered for Fiscal Year 2026 funding will be Oct. 31, 2025. 

This program consists of two components: The Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) option and the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) option. The ALE assists conservation organizations in preventing the conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses and maximizes the protection of land devoted to food production. The WRE option restores, protects, and enhances enrolled wetlands and improves wildlife habitat. Eligible WRE lands include farmed or prior-converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored.

"It is imperative we educate and promote ACEP to the landowners of Mississippi as we are proud to provide this service throughout the state," said State Conservationist Kurt Readus. "We invite any interested applicant to visit with us to learn more about the easement programs that we at USDA-NRCS can offer."

Landowners interested in an ALE should contact local land trusts to develop partnerships for land easements. Applications will be accepted from eligible entities for potential ALE projects. 

Landowners interested in WRE should apply at their local field office by submitting a Conservation Program Application (NRCS-CPA-1200). Applications will be included in all eligible fund pools for which they qualify including available Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) funding.                                                                                                                  

Interested landowners are encouraged to sign up for a free Easement Landowner Workshop at https://lowerdelta.org/discover/workshops/. Provided in partnership with Mississippi’s Lower Delta Partnership, the workshops are throughout the central portion of the state at the following locations:

9:00 a.m., October 7^th in Tunica, MS,

9:00 a.m. October 8^th in Indianola, MS, and

9:00 a.m. October 9^th in Vicksburg, MS.

Applications are accepted year-round and can be obtained anytime at your local field office or available online at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. The initial application deadline for consideration in FY26 is Oct. 31, 2025.

More Information

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.  Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today. 

For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.