This second signup date allows farmers who missed our previous signup to participate in:

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
• Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) 

Rhode Island encourages RI farmers to participate in the new Regenerative Pilot Program (EQIP & CSP). Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. This pilot program addresses whole-farm resource concerns through support for voluntary regenerative agriculture conservation plans.

“NRCS in Rhode Island continues our commitment to our farmers, woodland owners, and aquaculture producers to advance conservation, strengthen service delivery, and support the men and women who feed and fuel our nation,” said Acting NRCS State Conservationist Thomas L. Morgart.

NRCS helps Ocean State farmers, private woodland owners, and aquaculture growers apply conservation practices and activities on their land. We offer a variety of practices like cover crops, tree planting, composting facilities, pasture & hay planting, oyster reef restoration, wildlife habitat planting, efficient irrigation systems, and soil health testing. 

All our NRCS financial and technical assistance programs are voluntary programs that help our clients to install or manage conservation practices on eligible agricultural land.

NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round but sets state-specific ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding. Application cutoff periods allow NRCS to screen and rank applications for those with the highest conservation benefits across Rhode Island’s landscapes, including cropland, pastureland, and private non-industrial forestlands. The next application cutoff date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Applications received after this ranking date will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.

Visit www.RI.nrcs.usda.gov or call your local NRCS Field Office or Conservation District Office for more information:

• Rhode Island State Office: 401-828-1300, ri-nrcs-publicinfo@usda.gov 
• Eastern Rhode Island – Serving Bristol & Newport counties 
  • NRCS Field Office: 401-786-1389
  • Conservation District Office: 401-934-0842
• Northern Rhode Island – Serving Providence county 
  • NRCS Field Office: 401-822-8835
  • Conservation District Office: 401-934-0840
• Southern Rhode Island – Serving Kent & Washington counties 
  • NRCS Field Office: 401-822-8837
  • Conservation District Office: 401-661-5761

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.