HAMILTON SQUARE, N.J., July 10, 2025 – The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New Jersey is now accepting FY2026 applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). 

While NRCS accepts applications year-round, New Jersey producers and landowners should apply by October 17, 2025 to be considered for funding in the current cycle.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Through EQIP, NRCS provides agricultural producers with one-on-one help and financial assistance to plan and implement conservation practices to address a variety of issues such as water quality degradation, soil erosion, soil quality degradation and inadequate habitat for fish and wildlife.

Special initiatives include:

• Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) - Golden Winged-Warbler
• The National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) and
• The New Jersey Pine Barrens Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership
  • Forest landowners can verify their land is located within the target area by entering their address into the Pinelands Commission Interactive Map

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program

AMA is a voluntary conservation program available to beginning and limited resource farmers, small farms, and producers who have had limited participation in other USDA financial assistance programs. Producers eligible for AMA can apply for financial and technical assistance to voluntarily address resource issues such as water management, water quality, and erosion control by incorporating conservation into their farming operations.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Agricultural producers and forest landowners looking to build on conservation efforts while strengthening their operation can apply for technical and financial assistance through CSP. CSP is for working lands including cropland, pastureland, and nonindustrial private forest land. Participating farmers will further address priority resource concerns related to soil quality, water quality, air quality, and plant health. On-farm benefits include increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife population improvements, and better resilience to weather variables. For producers who are already taking steps to improve the condition of their land, CSP can help them find ways to meet their goals.

Applications are available through your local USDA Service Center and online at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/get-started-with-nrcs

While NRCS accepts applications year-round, if you apply after the program ranking date, your application will automatically be considered during future funding cycles.