SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington (NRCS-WA) is advancing a farmer‑focused approach to conservation by pairing streamlined program access with strengthened field support and expanded opportunities for voluntary habitat improvement. 

Producers can move conservation projects forward more quickly by utilizing NRCS’s “Act Now” Authority, which reduces delays and enables earlier on‑the‑ground results within the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). This initiative aligns with NRCS leadership emphasis on accelerating assistance and maximizing conservation outcomes.

Farmer Empowerment & Outcome-Based Conservation

NRCS is shifting focus away from administrative burden and toward measurable, data‑driven conservation outcomes by leaning into the vast knowledge welled within Local Working Groups (LWG) and Tribal Working Groups (TWG). These working groups help NRCS by identifying and solving priority resource concerns in their local areas. Producers who solve those LWG/TWG identified resource concerns on their property benefit from NRCS technical and financial assistance to improve productivity and profitability through soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat practices.

How Act Now Works

Producers do not apply for Act Now through a separate process. Any eligible EQIP or CSP application is automatically evaluated for Act Now consideration. Our nationally established application batching date is Dec. 18, 2026.  Applications are processed by the date order received. Applications scoring at or above the state‑established threshold are pre‑approved. Once funds are exhausted, remaining applications may be ranked in other funding categories or moved to the next funding cycle.

After pre‑approval, producers must complete all eligibility requirements - including Farm Service Agency (FSA) tract numbers, adjusted gross income (AGI) certification, and compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions. Producers must wait to begin work until NRCS issues final contract approval instructions.

Why This Matters for Washington Producers

The Act Now expansion enables Washington’s tribes, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to start conservation practices earlier in the year by reducing planning delays that impact seasonal operations.

The benefits are more predictable and transparent ranking requirements, faster obligation of funds, supporting timely improvements on working lands. These operational improvements reflect the emphasis on prioritizing producer access, accountability, and measurable conservation performance

How to Apply

Applications for EQIP and CSP are accepted year-round, so producers are encouraged to turn in their applications as soon as possible to NRCS. Participants must also be eligible to receive USDA benefits. Working with the FSA to establish eligibility requirements (AGI, AD1026, 902, FTE) is critical for participation. Applicants should not wait to submit their FSA eligibility requirement documents to FSA because they need two-to-three weeks to process them. NRCS will review an applicant’s FSA eligibility and start selecting applications for funding in the first batching cycle starting Jan. 19, 2027.

More Information

For more information on the Environmental Quality Incentives Program in Washington, click here.

For more information on the Conservation Stewardship Program in Washington, click here.

To learn how to get started with NRCS, click here, or visit a 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. To learn how to sign up for free email and text alerts about the latest NRCS program and national funding opportunities, click here.

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.