Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching - IP294

1. A project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology 1-800-346-9140 • www.attra.ncat.org
Federal Conservation Resources for
Sustainable Farming and Ranching
By Jeff Schahczenski This publication offers an overview of the major federal conservation programs that provide resources
NCAT Program Specialist for farmers and ranchers to enhance and maintain sustainable farming and ranching practices. The level
2007; Updated 2010 of available conservation resources for this area has dramatically increased since 2002. This guide helps
©NCAT farmers and ranchers make their way through the often complex and difficult application processes.
Access to these resources can open new opportunities to preserve agricultural lands, develop sustainable
practices, and open new markets.
Contents
Introduction ......................1
Federal Conservation
Resources and Your
Farm or Ranch...................3
What’s Available?
Overview of Federal
Conservation Resources Doug Crabtree and
for Working Lands...........4 Anna Jones-Crabtree
Conservation Programs farming on their 1,280-acre
and USDA Agency organic farm in Montana.
Responsibilities ................4 After finishing spring 2010
Know the Programs: seeding. Photo by
Working Land vs. Anna Jones-Crabtree.
Retiring Land ..........................5
National vs. Local
Differences in
Program Details ...............6
Working Lands
Programs ............................6
Environmental Quality
Incentive Program
(EQIP) ...................................8 right time and opportunity to return to the
Farm and Ranch
Introduction land ever since.”
Land Protection
A
Program (FRPP) ............. 14 nna Jones-Crabtree and Doug Crabtree NRCS programs were critical to the Crabtrees’
Appeals ............................ 15 are beginning farmers in their early for- ability to begin organic farming. Anna says, “The
Conclusion ...................... 16 ties returning to their agricultural roots. EQIP Organic Initiative came at just the right
References ...................... 18 They have benefited greatly from new Natural time for us as we literally started our operation
Resources ........................ 18 Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) pro- from scratch in 2009. The EQIP Organic Initia-
grams. With 1,280 acres of certified organic tive provided additional financial support as part
cropland, Anna and Doug were awarded an of our start-up package. Practices we are imple-
The National Sustainable Environmental Quality Incentive Program menting include organic transition, nutrient
Agriculture Information Service,
ATTRA (www.attra.ncat.org), (EQIP) contract through a special initiative to management, pest management, flex-crop, cover
was developed and is managed
by the National Center for
assist organic farmers and ranchers. They have crop, field borders, and seeding pollinator species.
Appropriate Technology (NCAT). also applied for the new NRCS Conservation Because we are considered beginning farmers, we
The project is funded through
a cooperative agreement with Stewardship Program (CSP). were able to be included in the beginning farmer
the United States Department
of Agriculture’s Rural Business- As Doug explains “Farming is the only thing set-aside for the EQIP program.”
Cooperative Service. Visit the
NCAT website (www.ncat.org/ I ever wanted to do. I believe farming is the Th is publication will help the reader under-
sarc_current.php) for
more information on most important avocation. I grew up on a stand how to capture these and other federal
our other sustainable
agriculture and
farm that did not make it through the farm conservation benefits that help the bottom line
energy projects. crisis of the ‘80s and have been waiting for the and promote more sustainable agriculture.

2. Organic Production and New NRCS Programs
The Crabtrees were awarded a contract under the soil profile. NRCS’s use of this spec-
a special Organic Initiative of EQIP that allows ification was to help inform fertilizer
organic and transitioning organic growers to application rates which according to
receive financial assistance for implementing the contract item description included
conservation practices as part of their Organic determining necessary “green manure
Systems Plan or Organic Transitions Plan. How- crops, manure application, legumes
ever, since this special initiative is new (first in rotation, or other forms of accept-
offered in 2009), specific technical assistance able plant nutrients.” Our challenge
has not been strong. As Doug and Anna say, was that our rotation system included
“NRCS has been supportive of our efforts and green manures, and legumes in rota-
wonderful on the logistics of the actual con- tion and tillage and we wanted to use
tract. However, their need to support a signifi- soil tests to determine the baseline of
cant number of producers limits their ability the soil nutrients as a place to inform
to spend time understanding our integrated our rotational practices, not inform
systems approach. Overall, their understand- our application of fertilizer. NRCS staff
ing of organic agriculture in general could be was well-versed in fertilizer rates and
better. For our farm, we are attempting to take applications but seemed to have lim-
a whole-farm systems approach and imple- ited flexibility in tailoring practices and
Related ATTRA ment practices together in an integrated way. specifications to fit alternative farming
publications When NRCS administers EQIP contracts, they systems such as ours.
approach each type of practice individually so
Organic the ability to tailor a specific practice to fit the • Coordination between NRCS and the
Certification Process overall farming system is limited.” Farm Service Agency (FSA) could be
stronger. Although the two offices
Entertainment The Crabtrees are also pursuing support from the were located in the same building, we
Farming and new Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). had to obtain documents from one
Agri-Tourism However, differences between organic practices agency to take to the other. It had been
and historical NRCS conservation practice stan- quite a while since FSA had entered any
Green Markets
dards can cause problems. As Doug says, “Two brand new producers into their system.
for Farm Products enhancements that we looked closely at imple- Additionally, as Beginning Farmers it was
Sustainable menting, namely non-chemical methods to kill challenging to understand what paper-
Agriculture: cover crops (WQL17), and Use of Cover Crop work on what timelines was necessary to
An Introduction Mixes (SQL04) illustrates how NRCS needs to bet- fill out for alphabet soup of USDA pro-
ter understand organic cropping systems. These grams. Although everyone was helpful,
Pursuing enhancements, which would otherwise be a it took us awhile, with lots of questions,
Conservation good fit for our system, include the requirement to make sure we understood the docu-
Tillage Systems that crops must be no-tilled after the cover crop mentation and form requirements.
for Organic is terminated. Appropriate tillage is critical to weed
Crop Production control and moisture management in our dryland Even with these challenges, the EQIP program has
organic system. Not all tillage is created equal and been an important piece of the Crabtrees’ whole-
Overview of it seems as if there is a bias towards only no-till farm approach to conservation. As they say, “There
Cover Crops and approaches in several of the enhancements. We needs to be more NRCS staff overall, and specifi-
Green Manures would really like to experiment with mowing and cally, more staff training and understanding of the
undercutting as less-invasive means of terminat- whole-farm system approach that is inherent in
ing our green manure crops. But, due to the no-till organic. This is crucial for NRCS to be able to pro-
requirement, our adoption of CSP enhancements vide a higher level of technical support. Organic
has been greatly limited.” approaches are more than just the elimination of
pesticides, but rather a more integrated way of
The Crabtrees noted a couple of challenges in
approaching rotations, soil health and farm resil-
the EQIP program requirements:
iency. The NRCS field staffs need to have more
• Soil testing requirements for the nutri- training in organic agriculture if they are going to
ent management practice. The NRCS be helpful to organic farmers trying to use these
contract required soil testing at three programs. Our hope is that by working together
depths (0-6”, 6”-12”, 12”-24”). This is we will not only help producers who want to move
because surface application of fertilizer to organic systems but also inform NRCS practices
(especially nitrogen) tends to stratify the and standards to support conservation activities
nutrients, and without tillage there isn’t in farming systems that are not dependent on the
any mixing of the applied substance in use of off-farm fertilizers and pesticides.”
Page 2 ATTRA Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching

3. Federal Conservation publications Entertainment Farming and Agri-
Tourism and Green Markets for Farm Products.)
Resources and Your
Engaging in federal conservation programs can
Farm or Ranch also move your farm or ranch in more sustainable
Since 1985, the federal government has provided directions. (See the ATTRA publication Sustain-
significant benefits to American farmers and able Agriculture: An Introduction.) “Whole” farm
ranchers either by retiring marginal and environ- or ranch planning—which assesses the goals and
mentally sensitive lands or by cost-sharing the potential resources of the farm or ranch—will
adoption of improved conservation practices on likely be necessary for farmers or ranchers inter-
working lands. Since 2002, working-lands con- ested in maximizing the benefits of these con-
servation has enjoyed accelerated support. Pro- servation programs. Even those unable to take
grams that support agricultural land preservation advantage of a particular program can come away
(Figure 1) have also been initiated. Learning how with a valuable learning experience through the
to take advantage of these important, but often very process of applying. Learning how federal
complicated, programs can help farmers and conservation programs work and going through
ranchers lower operational risk, provide tangible the application process usually helps you bet-
rewards for the contributions that conservation ter understand current innovative farming and
practices provide in improving soil, air, and water ranching practices. Also, by engaging in federal
quality; increasing profitability; and making conservation programs, you learn to be a more
farming and ranching more rewarding in general. active citizen and help make these programs work
better for all farms and ranches in your commu-
Another important reason to take advantage of
nity, state, and nation.
expanding federal conservation programs is that
the application process itself helps farmers and Finally, if you are of limited resources, socially
ranchers see their operations from new perspec- disadvantaged, or a beginning farmer or
tives. Th is alone can alert farmers and ranch- rancher, most programs provide either a com-
ers to new market opportunities. For example, petitive advantage or higher levels of support.
transitioning to an organic production system The definitions of these special categories are
on your farm or ranch may lead to higher value very specific, however, so make sure you meet
for your crops and livestock. (See the ATTRA the requirements before assuming eligibility.
Figure 1
Trends in USDA conservation expenditures, 1983-2005
Billion dollars
5
Conservation technical assistance Agricultural land preservation
Land retirement programs Other major conservation programs
Working land programs
4
3
2
1
0
1983 1987 1991 1995 1999 2003
Source: Office of Budget and Policy Analysis, USDA, and the Congressional Budget Office
Conservation Program Design—contrasting working-land and land retirement programs. (ERS, 2006)
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 3

4. simply because the process is often difficult and
Some Def initions intimidating. The programs contain an “alpha-
bet soup” of acronyms and bureaucratic jar-
• Limited-Resource Farmers and Ranchers. A limited-
gon particularly difficult to understand for first-
resource farmer or rancher is defined as: (a) a person with
direct or indirect gross farm sales of not more than $100,000
time applicants. The goal here is to present a
in each of the previous two years (increased each fiscal year simplified overview that outlines the essential
since 2004 to adjust for inflation); and (b) has a total house- step-by-step process to obtain these resources
hold income at or below the national poverty level for a and benefits. The intent is also to help you
family of four, OR less than 50 percent of county median understand the general purpose of the programs.
household income in each of the previous two years (to be
This publication concentrates on resources
determined annually using Commerce Department data).
available from the Natural Resources Con-
USDA offers an online Limited Resource Farmer/Rancher
servation Service (NRCS). The United States
Self-Determination Tool to determine whether you meet
this definition.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the
agency most engaged with agricultural con-
• Beginning Farmer or Rancher. A beginning farmer or servation practices. The other major USDA
rancher is defined as an individual or entity who: (a) has division involved in conservation efforts is the
not operated a farm or ranch, or who has operated a farm Farm Service Agency (FSA). The FSA shares
or ranch for not more than 10 consecutive years (required administrative responsibility with the NRCS
of all members of an entity); and (b) will materially and for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
substantially participate in the operation of the farm and the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP).
or ranch. FSA also has responsibility for the Conservation
Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and the
• Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher. A socially Emergency Conservation Program (ECP).
disadvantaged group is one whose members have been
subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their
identity as members of the group, without regard to Conservation Programs
individual qualities. A socially disadvantaged farmer or and USDA Agency
rancher is a member of a socially disadvantaged group.
Groups in particular localities subjected to racial or ethnic Responsibilities
prejudice are determined by the United States Secretary of The first step in accessing these federal resources
Agriculture. Check with your local or state NRCS offices for should be the development of a Natural
more details. See Further Resources. Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) con-
servation plan. An NRCS conservation plan is
helpful because it involves the agency early in
the process. Even if you have done prior plan-
When in doubt regarding eligibility require- ning, it is still important to get NRCS assistance
ments, check with the local office of the federal in translating your existing planning efforts into
agency in charge of the specific program. See agency language. The local NRCS agent can
Resources at the end of this publication. evaluate your eligibility for the kinds of federal
programs available to you.
What’s Available? Overview While this may be the ideal process, fi nding
of Federal Conservation available NRCS staff to assist with this kind of
planning is often difficult. The actual process
Resources for Working Lands often begins with the farmer or rancher contact-
The complexity of federal conservation ing the local NRCS field office (see Resources )
programs—and in particular the applica- about a specific conservation program. The con-
tion process itself—is perhaps one of the big- servation planning begins with a discussion of
gest reasons many farmers and ranchers do not the application process and eligibility require-
use these resources. The programs are volun- ments for that program, rather than with devel-
tary, and many opt out of using the programs opment of a comprehensive conservation plan.
Page 4 ATTRA Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching

5. USDA Agency Program Description
Environmental Quality Incentive Financial support for conservation improvements
Program (EQIP) and to meet regulatory requirements
Natural Resources Conservation Stewardship Program
Financial support for current performance and
Conservation Service (CSP)—formerly Conservation Security
future conservation improvements
(NRCS) Program
Farm and Ranchland Protection Cost-share for farm and ranchland protection
Programs (FRPP) through easements
Annual payments to keep sensitive land out of
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
Farm Service Agency agricultural production
(FSA) and NRCS Annual payments to keep land in native
Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)
grasslands
Annual payments to keep riparian areas out of
Conservation Reserve Enhancement
agricultural production (requires state matching
Program (CREP)
funds)
Farm Service Agency
(FSA) Rehabilitation of farmland damaged by natu-
Emergency Conservation Program
ral disasters and emergency water conservation
(ECP)
measures in periods of severe drought
Indeed, NRCS recognizes the difficulty in The working lands programs provide financial
assisting farmers and ranchers in preparing com- resources. These may be either incentive pay-
prehensive conservation plans. In one attempt to ments or “cost-share” for farmers or ranchers
address this lack of planning resources, NRCS to implement the practices or build structures
in 2005 began a special pilot project to bring on working agriculture lands. NRCS has many
additional resources to planning efforts. Unfor- quality criteria for resource management and
tunately, the pilot project was available in only a list of hundreds of technical practice stan-
limited areas of nine states and lasted only one dards that define the minimal acceptable levels
year. As a result of the Food, Conservation, and for natural resource conservation and environ-
Energy Act of 2008 (otherwise know as the mental protection.
Farm Bill), the NRCS is currently establish-
ing support under the Environmental Qual- Understanding these technical standards can be
ity Incentive Program (EQIP) to fund what complicated for people not familiar with NRCS
are termed conservation activity plans. Make protocols and jargon. However, if you are serious
sure you ask local NRCS about such funding if about taking full advantage of the programs,
applying for the EQIP program discussed below. some understanding of these standards and the
systems of resource management is important.
Barring the availability of assistance from local The major resource for understanding techni-
NRCS staff, however, farmers and ranchers cal standards and the general program evalua-
should still put some effort into farm or ranch tion processes is the Field Office Technical Guide
conservation planning. Doing so prepares appli- (FOTG). Th is guide is available online as the
cants to interact effectively with NRCS staff. eFOTG www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg/. This
ATTRA has several resources to help with this guide is “localized” down to the county level,
kind of planning planning, available online or at so get the copy relevant to your farm or ranch
800-346-9140. locale. NRCS prides itself on soliciting local
input for program development. Consequently,
Know the Programs: there is some variation among available pro-
Working Land vs. Retiring Land grams, particularly for working lands.
Federal conservation programs can be divided The Farm and Ranchland Protection Program
into two broad categories: working lands pro- (FRPP) is intended to preserve working farms
grams and land retirement or easement programs. and ranches. Technically, this program might
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 5

6. not be a working-lands conservation program Working Lands Programs
because the program’s intent is to protect farm
or ranch lands from conversion to suburban or Conservation Stewardship
urban development.
Program (CSP)
Land retirement or easement programs like the The newest and perhaps the most confusing fed-
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), on the eral conservation program is the Conservation
other hand, either permanently or temporar- Stewardship Program or CSP. As noted earlier,
ily pay farmers or ranchers to keep land out of this program was substantially changed by Con-
agricultural production entirely. Some easement gress with the passage and subsequent imple-
conservation programs do allow certain produc- mentation of the 2008 Farm Bill. This program
tive uses of easement land, but generally these is unique because it rewards farmers and ranch-
programs were established to take land out of ers for current conservation practices, and for
substantial productive use. putting in place new conservation practices and
enhancements over a five-year contract period.
This new program provides payment on a per-
National vs. Local Differences acre basis for conservation performance, rather
in Program Details than a payment to share in the cost of the adop-
tion of new practices.
Another important thing to know before apply-
ing for federal conservation programs is that The program allows all farmers and ranchers
program details can change substantially from to apply at any time, but to begin a contract
state to state and even county to county. As in a specific federal fiscal year, there are spe-
noted above, NRCS has been an agency that cific deadlines announced by the NRCS. The
prides itself on being adaptable to state and 2009 allocation of funds to farmers and ranch-
local concerns. The logic of this approach makes ers under this program is complete, with over
some sense. Land use for agriculture varies dra- 10,000 contracts awarded, valued at almost
$145 million dollars. The 2010 final allocations
matically in different parts of the country. For
are not yet available as of this writing (Septem-
instance, the best conservation grazing manage-
ber 2010). Unfortunately, the program allows
ment practices for southwest Montana are sub- annual funding for only12.8 million acres per
stantially different from those in central Florida. year to be enrolled, so the competition for pro-
On the other hand, local determination of gram funds is significant. Successful applicants
program criteria is often a source for confu- for CSP can receive up to $200,000 in benefits
sion about what programs can and do offer. In over the five-year contract period.
Montana, for instance, some NRCS programs Below is a basic step-by step-outline for appli-
provide resources for ranchers to improve fish cation along with important information and
passage around irrigation diversions. But the forms that can help in getting ready to apply for
programs apply only to certain areas of the state, this program.
despite the fact that most areas have important
Step 1- Examine and/or fill-out the
fi sh passage problems. The best way to avoid Self-Screening Checklist to assess your
confusion is to go to the respective state NRCS eligibility and the requirements of program.
website for specific details of a program in that
Download the Self Screening Checklist
state. Another way to clear up confusion is to
talk with local and state-level NRCS staff. If you have any questions about the questions or
your answers contact your local NRCS staff person
designated for the CSP.
Note: Check with both local and state-
This screening tool introduces an important term
level NRCS staff. Sometimes local staffers
called the “stewardship threshold.” The steward-
do not know that funding differences exist
ship threshold is defined as the level of natural
between areas. State-level staffers often
resource conservation and environmental manage-
have that information.
ment required to conserve and improve the quality
and condition of a natural resource. This threshold
Page 6 ATTRA Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching

7. will be measured by a new tool devised for the However, each state NRCS office has chosen
program called the Conservation Measurement specific priority resources of concern and these
Tool (CMT), discussed below. Meeting these stew- will affect the ranking system in each state. To find
ardship thresholds is important because applicants out the priorities for each state, contact your NRCS
must demonstrate at the time of application that office or look for that information on your state’s
they are meeting the stewardship threshold for at NRCS website. Link available at: www.nrcs.usda.gov/
least one resource of concern and that they com- about/organization/regions.html.
mit to meeting the stewardship threshold for one
additional resource of concern during the five-year It is important to note that this tool is new
contract term. and not extensively tested. It is expected to be
available online, but it is important that you ask
Step 2- Make initial application many questions of your local NRCS office staff so
The basic application form is: NRCS-CPA-1200 that you understand exactly what is being asked
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/PDFs/ and that the information is being entered in the
Blank_EQIP_CCC1200.pdf. tool correctly.
If you have NOT received federal agriculture fund- The NRCS has provided a list of conservation and
ing in the past or are a brand new farmer or rancher, enhancement activities that are part of the CMT. It
you will need to establish yourself as a legal farm can be examined at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/
by registering with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) new_csp/csp.html.
and getting a Federal Farm ID number. NRCS and
Once ranked, applicants will be chosen by
FSA field offices are often located in the same loca-
moving down the list of ranked applicants
tion, known as a Farm Service Center.
until the program acreage limit for each state
Some additional forms that will likely be needed is reached. The total national program acreage
to establish basic eligibility are: is 12.8 million acres for each of the five years
• AD-1026 Highly Erodible Land Conserva- of the program.
tion and Wetland Conservation Certifica- Step 4- Work out contract payments
tion (available at local NRCS offices) and details
• CCC926 Adjusted Gross Income Certifi-
Payment amounts will be determined by
cation (available at local NRCS offices)
three factors.
• Special Directive to NRCS to assist
• Expected environmental benefits as
farmers and ranchers without previous
FSA registration indicated by the Conservation
Measurement Tool
Step 3- Ranking and the Conservation • Costs incurred by the farmer or rancher
Measurement Tool (CMT) associated with the planning, design,
After establishing eligibility and submitting an materials, installation, labor, manage-
application, the next step is to work with local ment, maintenance or training for
NRCS staff to establish a ranking score. NRCS staff conservation activities
will use new software called the Conservation • Income forgone by the producer as a
Management Tool (CMT) to establish your ranking result of conservation activities that
score. CMT is designed to evaluate applicants’ exist- are undertaken
ing conservation levels and proposed additional
improvements. Broadly, the CSP targets funding Overall CSP payments are expected to aver-
for the following: age $18 per acre nationwide, but the rate
• To address particular resources of will vary by land type, the extent of existing
concern in a given watershed or region conservation that will be managed and
maintained, and the extent of new conserva-
• To assist farmers and ranchers to
tion practices and activities agreed upon. Indi-
improve soil, water, and air quality
vidual CSP payments will depend on the details
• To provide increased biodiversity of each contract. Payments to contract hold-
and wildlife and pollinator habitat ers will be made after October 1 of the year
• To sequester carbon and reduce the conservation has been accomplished. For
greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate example, if the terms of the contract are fulfilled
climate change during the spring and summer, the accompany-
• To conserve water and energy ing payments will be made in the fall.
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 7

8. Contract, Field Verification, and Socially Disadvantaged,
Conservation Stewardship Plans Limited Resource, and
As part of successful applicant contract develop- Beginning Farmer Benefit
ment, the NRCS is required to visit each applying The new (2010) regulatory rules for implementa-
farm or ranch to verify information provided in tion of the CSP provide the possibility of a mini-
the application. In addition, the development of a mum payment for farms that both qualify for the
conservation stewardship plan is required. A con- program and are operated by socially disadvan-
servation stewardship plan is the schedule of the taged, Limited Resource or Beginning Farmer
conservation activities to be implemented, man- (see definitions above). Please check with your
aged, or improved during the contract period. local NRCS office about this possible benefit.
Specialty Crops, Environmental Quality
Organic Production, Incentive Program (EQIP)
and Technical Assistance
The Environmental Quality Incentive Program
The implementation rules for the new CSP (EQIP) is the largest NRCS working lands pro-
require the NRCS to make a special commitment gram, with annual budgets around $1 billion
to providing technical assistance to organic and since 2002. EQIP provides incentives to farmers
specialty-crop producers. In particular, NRCS and ranchers for two major purposes. First, the
has provided the following document to help program helps farmers and ranchers to improve
organic farmers applying to the program. Organic their conservation practices. Second, the program
Crosswalk www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/ helps farmers and ranchers to comply (or stay in
special_pdfs/Organic_Crosswalk_091009_dl.pdf . compliance) with federal environmental regula-
tions such as the Clean Water Act.
Resource-Conserving For example, EQIP has provided substantial
Crop Rotations federal resources to assist farmers and ranchers
to stay in compliance with regulations in regard
In the new CSP, there is special emphasis on and
to the operation of Confined Animal Feed-
supplemental funding for applicants who under-
ing Operations (CAFOs) and Animal Feed-
take a resource conserving crop rotation. What
ing Operations (AFOs). Such support has often
constitutes such a rotation is still less than clear
included controversial issues involving large-
and will require careful discussion with NRCS
scale dairies and commercial feedlots. Since
field staff in your location.
2002, the NRCS has been required to try to
achieve a target of 60 percent of EQIP expendi-
Size and Program Limitations tures for livestock conservation practices. While
not all of that livestock-related EQIP funding
To constrain total spending on the program, has gone to resolve CAFO/AFO issues, a large
the new CSP limits the total acreage available to
percentage has. However, despite these envi-
12.8 billion in each of the five years of the pro-
ronmental regulatory aspects to EQIP, there
gram. In addition, as noted, the law sets a target
have been many farmers and ranchers who have
of an average of $18 per acre nationwide. These
improved conservation practices and their bottom
limitations may make it difficult for very small
lines by participating in this program (see box).
farms to reconcile the effort of participation in
the program with the ultimate benefit. This issue The 2008 Farm Bill introduced a special EQIP
is a concern for NRCS and they have stated in organic initiative which particularly supports
the implementation rules for the program that existing organic farmers and ranchers and those
they do not want to limit producer participation who might want to make the transition to organic
because of size or type of operation. If you have production. This special EQIP organic initia-
a smaller farm, please discuss this issue with your tive has been in operation just since 2009, and
local NRCS staff. program details are still being fully developed.
Page 8 ATTRA Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching

9. EQIP Helps Cranberry Growers
In 2004 and 2005, 13 Wisconsin cranberry growers signed EQIP cost-sharing contracts to help address the unique environ-
mental concerns with surface and groundwater quality associated with that crop. Irrigation-water management and pest
management are being implemented on all of the participating marshes, and 9 of the 13 contracts also include nutrient
management. These three management practices form the basis of comprehensive Resource Management Systems on
cranberry marshes. By necessity, cranberries are grown very close to water in order to flood the beds for frost protection
and harvest. Cranberries are native to wet soils with typically high water tables. Even with very careful management, nutri-
ents and pesticides may be easily transported to surface and groundwater. Nutrient-management activities are focused on
reducing applications of phosphorous fertilizer to protect water quality. Pest management incentive payments are being
used to offset the costs associated with implementing integrated pest management (IPM) and to reduce the environmen-
tal hazards associated with using high-risk pesticides.
Irrigation water management is focused on increasing irrigation efficiencies
and uniformity of application to conserve water and to limit leaching and run-
off of fertilizers and pesticides. Additional conservation efforts being funded
through EQIP include erosion control projects, replacing inefficient irrigation
systems, and installing irrigation tailwater recovery systems for the recycling
and reuse of water.
More than $500,000 in EQIP funding has been obligated to these contracts.
These funds will result in conservation efforts in excess of $1 million when labor,
equipment, and material costs are included.
Unlike CSP, EQIP has from time to time Big Hole River watershed. The drainage has
allocated resources to special sub-programs as faced severe drought, and a population of Arc-
determined by NRCS. Currently there are three tic grayling—the last remnant of this trout spe-
special regional and national EQIP sub-programs. cies in the lower 48 states—may be enhanced
through the funding.
• Colorado River Basin Salinity Control
Program - This program reduces salin- Applicants should realize that EQIP is a very
ity by preventing salts from dissolving competitive program and is under-funded relative
and mixing in the Colorado River. to demand by farmers and ranchers (see Figure
• Ground and Surface Water Conserva- 3). This means you must make sure to develop a
tion Program - Th is program focuses comprehensive plan of the conservation practices
attention on conservation practices integrated into your farm or ranch before you
that result in net saving of ground and apply for the EQIP. Also, pay close attention to
surface water as determined by state those elements of your plan that fit with the pri-
NRCS offices. orities that NRCS has identified as important for
funding in the year you wish to apply.
• Klamath Basin Program - This is a locally
led conservation effort for farmers, ranch-
ers, tribes, and other private landowners EQIP Eligibility
in the Klamath River Basin in northern There are only three exceptions to EQIP eligibil-
California and southern Oregon. ity. First, the applicant must be in compliance
with highly erodible land and wetland conserva-
These special EQIP sub-programs will not be
tion practices. Known commonly as “sodbuster”
discussed here, but further information is avail-
and “swampbuster” provisions, these excep-
able from your state NRCS office. Finally, even
tions prevent EQIP from extending benefits to
within states, the leading administrative agents
producers who have previously brought highly
for NRCS, the State Conservationists, can also
erodable land and converted wetlands into agri-
set aside part of the state EQIP allocations for
cultural production.
special projects of importance to an individual
state. For instance, in Montana, a special EQIP Second, individuals or entities that have an aver-
project was set up to provide resources for the age adjusted gross income exceeding $2.5 million
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 9

10. Figure 3. Map courtesy of USDA/NRCS.
for the three tax years preceding application are with your local NRCS agent or state office for
not eligible. There is an exception to this rule if the deadlines for your state.
the individual or entity can document that 75
percent of the adjusted gross income ($1.875
million) came from farming, ranching, or for- Remember, the NRCS runs on the federal
government’s fiscal cycle of October 1–
estry operations. Essentially, this provision lim-
September 30, and not the calendar year.
its very wealthy individuals who don’t receive Funding allocations are available to each
income from agricultural and forestry operations state for that fiscal year only.
from receiving federal conservation benefits.
Third, a person or entity cannot apply for EQIP
if a maximum benefit of $450,000 ($300,000
after 2008) has been reached through the pro-
Determining EQIP Benefits
gram over the past five years. All categories of Benefits are determined by an NRCS evaluation
land use are eligible, including non-industrial of the farmer’s or rancher’s application against a
forest lands. Interestingly, any land determined set of funding priorities known as the “ranking
to pose a serious threat to soil, air, water, or criteria.” These criteria are set at the national,
related resources is also eligible. state, and county levels. In some larger states
such as California, or where demand for pro-
Finally, applications are accepted by state NRCS gram benefits is high, a “pre-screening” set of
offices year-round, but there are specific dates by selection criteria is often used. As noted, this is
which you must have submitted your application a competitive program, and each state has the
in order to be eligible in any particular funding ability to prioritize which resources are of special
year. Each state sets its own deadlines, so check concern, even down to the county level.
Page 10 ATTRA Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching

11. ranch. However, there is often a fairly wide vari-
The NRCS gets advice on setting these pri- ety of conservation practices available to appli-
orities from two governance committees: cants and it is often hard to tell without going
the state technical advisory committee through the process how your planned changes
(state-level) and the “local working groups” will be “ranked.”
(see governance section).
Below is a copy of just one part of the ranking
criteria from Reeves County, Texas. This illus-
Thus, each state’s set of priorities is different trates several aspects of EQIP in Texas. First,
and in any given year may not reflect the needs the state NRCS—at least in this county—has
you have identified in planning for your farm or identified Animal Feeding Operations (AFO/
EQIP Program in Reeves County, Texas, 2006
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers cost-share assistance to agricultural producers to implement
on-farm conservation practices. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) determines eligible producers for the
EQIP program and determines eligible land. Eligible producers may apply for cost-share assistance on conservation practices
that will address the resource concern identified by the Local Work Group (LWG).
Reeves County Office Information
Interested agricultural producers may apply in person at the Reeves County USDA Service Center. Applicants may also request
EQIP assistance by telephone, fax, e-mail, or letter.
State Resource Concerns Priority Areas that include part of Reeves County
Specific State Concern State Resource Concern
AFO-CAFO—Poultry Water Quality/Air Quality
AFO-CAFO—Swine Water Quality/Air Quality
AFO-CAFO—Beef Water Quality/Air Quality
AFO-CAFO—Dairy Water Quality/Air Quality
Salt Cedar Invasive Species
Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher All
(AFO—Animal Feeding Operation) (CAFO—Confined Animal Feeding Operation)
Objective:
The objective of the Reeves County Local Work Group (LWG) is to promote the use of conservation practices for improv-
ing natural resources throughout the county with major emphasis on improving plant health and water quantity.
County EQIP Resource Concern:
In Reeves County for 2006, the LWG has identified Plant Health and Water Quantity as the major resource concerns.
Priority for Funding:
Water Quantity—High Priority for Funding
Land leveling, concrete ditch lining, irrigation water conveyance, sprinkler, sprinkler conversion, and drip irrigation.
Plant Health—High Priority for Funding
Fencing, livestock water development, brush management, range ripping, and seeding.
All practices receive 50 points.
Eligible Practices and Cost-Share Rates:
Limited Resource Farmers and Ranchers—90 percent.
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers—75 percent.
Other—50 percent.
Practices will be cost-shared based on the established average cost of the practice. The amount of cost-share earned will
be the number of units certified after completion multiplied by the average cost multiplied by the cost-share percentage.
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 11

12. CAFO) issues and salt cedar removal as high- overcome in part by the development of a special
priority concerns. The county group has added national EQIP organic initiative (details below).
priorities related to conservation practices that
Applicants to EQIP are eligible for up to
promote plant health and water-use efficiency.
$300,000 in program benefits. It is unusual for
Both the state and county clearly recognize that
any single annual “contract” to be that high and
when limited resource or beginning farmers or
the limit applies to the total benefits in any pre-
ranchers apply, they are entitled to higher ben-
vious contracts in the past five years. Thus, if
efits (cost-shares). Finally, the county has placed
you had received $200,000 in EQIP benefits in
limits on the extent of funding by identifying
the previous five years, you could receive only
specific priority practices and assigning points to
those practices. Thus, in Reeves County, Texas, $100,000 in program benefits for the current
a farmer or rancher is clearly at a funding advan- year. There is the possibility of receiving up to
tage for EQIP if CAFO/AFO issues, salt cedar $450,000 in benefits for projects that provide
removal, plant health, and water quantity issues exceptional environmental benefits, but the pro-
are important to the applicant’s farm or ranch cess for approval of such a project is more rig-
conservation plan. orous. As noted earlier, benefits are based on
a percentage of the total cost of adopting the
However, even if these conservation measures conservation practice, up to a maximum of 75
are relevant to the applying farmer or rancher, percent. Again, limited resource and beginning
there is still no guarantee that the producer will farmers and ranchers may receive up to 90 per-
ultimately be provided EQIP benefits. Th is is cent cost-share.
true because the applicant is also competing
with every other applicant in all other counties. Figure 4 on the next page is an example
Ultimately, the state NRCS ranks every appli- from Maine NRCS of how dollar amounts
cant according to his or her total criteria points are calculated to determine the total contract
with associated total dollar benefits requested benefits. Essentially, if the contract is selected
and approves contracts in this order until that based on ranking criteria, then each practice is
state’s yearly allocation of EQIP resources is applied for, and a total contract benefit package
expended. is awarded.
What this example shows is that applying for For example, if one of the applicant’s “prac-
EQIP benefits is a little like applying for a grant. tices” was installation of a composting facility,
The grantor (NRCS) gets to decide the criteria then the applicant, if successful, would receive
for grant awards, and the applicant must match $75,000 (60-percent cost-share) to build the
those criteria in order to increase the probability facility—assessed by Maine NRCS to cost
of acceptance. Also, an application for a single $125,000. For a successful candidate, this pro-
practice change is unlikely to be funded. It is cess would continue until all other practices
useful to have a holistic plan of all the changes were assessed and a total contract amount set.
you want to make on your farm or ranch and It is important to remember that contracts
then apply for every relevant change that will can be made for up to 10 years. Payments are
garner the highest number of ranking criteria made when the practice is completed (adopted)
points possible. While NRCS does not want to or installed. For example, the development of
encourage what it often refers to as “point shop- a compost facility might take several years to
ping,” farmers and ranchers must put together complete and would likely require a multi-year
the best package possible to realize any benefit. EQIP contract.
For instance, in Montana there is an EQIP ben- The benefits of an EQIP contract can be sub-
efit of $3,500 over three years to help farmers stantial, but getting them requires a real com-
or ranchers make the transition to organic pro- mitment by the applicant. Again, careful plan-
duction. However, very few farmers or ranchers ning and knowing program criteria are critical
have received benefits under this option because for success.
they often apply only for that benefit and hence
are out-competed by farmers and ranchers who
present more comprehensive applications with EQIP Organic Initiative
higher total ranking points. Fortunately, this Authorized by Congress in 2008 and first imple-
issue, at least for organic producers, has been mented in 2009, this special EQIP initiative has
Page 12 ATTRA Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching

13. Figure 4. 2006 Androscoggin/Sagadahoc Counties, Maine, EQIP Cost Lists.
Practice Code Practice Name Component Unit Type Unit Cost $ Share Rate %
All components excluding
560 Access Road foot 17 75
crossings
560 Access Road Stream crossing no. 55,000 75
702 Agrichemical Handling Facility All components no. 51,750 75
All components excluding
575 Animal Trails & Walkways foot 17 60
crossings
575 Animal Trails & Walkways Stream crossing no. 55,000 60
707 Barnyard Water Management All components s.f. 8 75
314 Brush Management Brush Management acre 55 100
326 Clearing and Snagging Clearing and snagging foot 50 60
317 Composting Facility All components no. 125,000 75
Comprehensive Nutrient Development of CNMP
100 a.u. 10 100
Management Plan (one time payment)
Comprehensive Nutrient Implementation of CNMP
100 a.u. 40 100
Management Plan (one time payment)
327 Conservation Cover Grass establishment acre 330 60
328 Conservation Crop Rotation Conservation crop rotation acre 55 100
332 Contour Buffer Strips Grass establishment acre 330 60
330 Contour Farming All components acre 22 10
340 Cover Crop Cover crop acre 55 100
All components with heavy
324 Critical Area Planting acre 800 60
site prep
342 Deep Tillage Deep tillage acre 22 100
362 Diversion All components foot 5 60
assisted current organic farmers and ranchers as so there was some competition for funding. As of
well as those who want to make the transition to this writing (2010), applications for funding are
organic production. This initiative recognizes that below the available $50 million, so most qualified
organic production systems have inherent conser- applicants are likely to be supported.
vation benefits. The initiative was also adopted Second, by law the amount of support a transi-
because NRCS recognized that it had not served tioning or certified organic producer can receive
organic farmers and ranchers adequately. is significantly less than for those applying for
In general, the application process is fairly simi- the general EQIP. The maximum payment
lar to that for general EQIP, but deadlines for you can receive for these efforts is $20,000 per
application can be different, so it is best to con- year, with no more than $80,000 over a six-year
tact your local NRCS office or check the website period. EQIP payments are set up by a contract
of the state NRCS office for details. There are that can span several years. However, if you are
four significant differences between the organic an existing certified organic producer, then you
EQIP initiative and the general EQIP. can opt out of the special initiative and compete
with all other non-organic farmers and ranchers
First, the nationwide funding pool is limited to in your state. As noted earlier, the general EQIP
$50 million dollars, and so funding is competi- is very competitive, but the maximum payment
tive. Also, the funding pool is further divided into for the general EQIP can be as high as $300,000
support for transitioning and currently certified over a six-year period (or even up to $450,000
organic producers. In 2009, the value of applica- if the applicant can justify the application as
tions was higher then the $50 million available, having unique and significant environmental
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 13

14. benefit). Thus, each applicant needs to decide in FRPP Eligibility
which arena to compete.
The FRPP is a competitive program, and each
Th ird, the range of conservation practices for state NRCS office has particular eligibility
organic initiative applicants is less than for the requirements for the program. However, each
general EQIP and also varies by state. Accord- applicant has to meet the following minimum
ing to NRCS policy, each state is expected to set of national criteria.
provide support for any conservation practice • Does the farm or ranch contain prime,
that is likely to be needed by certified or tran- unique, and productive soil, or histori-
sitioning producers, but the specific list does cal or archeological resources?
vary by state. The only way to know for sure • Is the farm or ranch included in a pend-
what is offered is to check with your local or ing offer from a state, tribal, local gov-
state NRCS office. ernment, or non-governmental organi-
Finally, each state NRCS office provides separate zation easement program?
payment schedules to support practice adoption • Is the land privately owned?
by certified organic and transitioning produc- • Is the farm or ranch covered by a con-
ers. The reason for this is that in many cases servation plan for highly erodible land?
there are increased costs involved in conserva- • Is it large enough to sustain agricultural
tion practice adoptions in organic systems, and production?
each state estimates these differences. Again, it is • Does the farm or ranch have access to
necessary to check with the local or state NRCS markets for its products?
to understand these cost differences.
• Do the farms or ranches that surround
the applying farm or ranch support
Farm and Ranch Land long-term agricultural production?
Protection Program (FRPP) • Does the owner meet the Adjusted
Though the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Gross Income (AGI) limitation? (This is
Program (FRPP) is essentially an easement pro- the same income limitation for all other
gram, it is included in this publication because NRCS programs.)
it provides resources to keep farms and ranches
as working lands by protecting them from FRPP Benefit Determination
being converted to other uses. The program is
The NRCS share of the cost of the ease-
unique in that it is only indirectly supportive
ment cannot be larger than 50 percent of the
of conservation practices. As noted below, some
appraised market value. The applying farmer or
of the eligibility requirements of the program
rancher can contribute up to 25 percent of the
require prior conservation efforts. Nonetheless,
cost with the cooperating entity contributing up
the benefits essentially support an easement.
to another 25 percent. The total benefit calcula-
The program is also unique in that NRCS
tion includes all partners to the agreement and
matches resources only with other non-federal
available funding and the selection is made by
entities. These entities are state, tribal, and local
the state conservationist in each state. The size of
governments and non-governmental easement
the benefit varies depending on the value of the
programs. For instance, the American Farm-
easement. For instance, in Montana in 2005,
land Trust (AFT) has an agricultural easement
five easements were awarded under FRPP at a
program, and a farmer or rancher could enter value of $2,221,000.
into an agreement with AFT and then together
with AFT could apply to FRPP for help to sup-
port the total cost of the easement. The pro- Implementation
gram is competitive and the demand for FRPP Being awarded an NRCS working-lands conser-
resources far exceeds supply. Funding for the vation program contract is really only the begin-
program varies across the United States (see ning of the process. NRCS working-lands con-
Figure 5, next page). Finally, the program also tracts are legally binding and commit you to
assesses the historical and archeological signifi- fulfilling your end of the bargain. With contracts
cance of the easement property. lasting in some cases 10 years, it is important to
Page 14 ATTRA Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching

15. Figure 5. Map courtesy of NRCS/USDA.
be absolutely clear on your commitments. By Appeals
the same token, NRCS has also made signifi- The appeals process—like the programs them-
cant commitments. During the implementation selves—is complex. The first thing to be clear
phase, you need to work regularly with your about is the basis for your appeal. For instance,
local NRCS agent to make sure you are making if you appeal the rejection of your application
timely progress on your contract. for program benefits, remember that the pro-
grams are competitive, and losing in that com-
There may be disputes about either the fairness petition is not itself a reason to appeal. The gen-
of the application process or about your obliga- eral basis for an appeal includes the following.
tions during the implementation of the contract.
Federal law does provide for formal processes of • Denial of participation in a program
appeal. While NRCS works hard to make sure • Compliance with program requirements
you understand the details of a program con- • The payment or amount of payments
tract prior to implementation, knowing your or other program benefits to a program
rights for appealing decisions is important. participant
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 15

16. • Technical determinations or technical the CSP, then you could appeal that program
decisions that affect the status of land eligibility decision.
even though eligibility for USDA ben-
After you have decided the basis for an appeal
efits may not be affected
and the type of appeal, the next step is to make
There are specific reasons that an appeal can be sure the program you applied for is a “Chapter
rejected by NRCS. XII” program. All the programs outlined in this
• General program requirements applicable publication are Chapter XII programs. Check
to all participants (i.e., you cannot make with your local or state NRCS office for a list
your farm or ranch a “special” case) of non-Chapter XII programs (See Resources ).
• Science-based formulas and criteria. For
example, eligibility for CSP is based on Chapter XII refers to the title of the Food
a certain minimum performance score. Security Act of 1985, when the current
You cannot appeal your eligibility on the appeals process was established
basis that NRCS has chosen the wrong
performance criteria to use. (However,
if you think the wrong information was To begin the preliminary phase of the appeal
used to calculate an performance score, process, ask in writing for one of three actions
then an appeal may be warranted.) to take place within 30 days after notification of
the decision you wish to contest.
• The fairness or constitutionality of fed-
eral laws. For example, you can’t argue • Make a request for a field visit and
that it is unfair that you can’t apply reconsideration of an NRCS decision.
for the CSP because you don’t happen • Ask for mediation of the contested decision.
meet the statutory definition of a legal
farming entity. • Appeal directly to the local Farm Service
Agency (FSA)—usually county-based—
• Technical standards or criteria that for a reconsideration of a decision.
apply to all persons
Which of these three routes to take in the
• State Technical Committee member- appeals process is up to you. It may be hard
ship decisions made by the State Con- to evaluate which is of greater benefit. Even
servationist though the first choice explicitly provides for a
• Procedural technical decisions relating “field visit,” all others will require a field visit
to program administration anyway. The reconsideration and mediation pro-
• Denials of assistance due to the lack of cesses should be completed within 30 days of
funds or authority the request.
Once you have established a basis for an appeal, Finally, even after these appeals are exhausted,
determine whether you are appealing a “techni- you can still appeal a decision to the National
cal determination” or a “program decision.” An Appeals Division (NAD) of USDA. This
appeal of a technical determination challenges agency is independent of the other USDA agen-
the correctness of “the status and condition of the cies and provides participants with the oppor-
natural resources and cultural practices based on tunity to have a neutral review of an appeal.
science and best professional judgment of natu- NAD can make independent findings but also
ral resources professionals concerning soils, water, must apply laws and regulations of the respec-
air, plants, and animals.” For example, the stock- tive agency to the case.
ing rate of cattle on a particular range or pasture
could be a contested technical decision. Conclusion
An appeal of a program decision, on the other The conservation programs outlined in this pub-
hand, challenges the correctness of the deter- lication are complex; access to these resources
mination of eligibility or how the program is requires significant effort and an investment of
administered and implemented. For example, if time and energy. The complexities of the programs
the local NRCS is wrong in its determination are in part due to sincere efforts by a large federal
that your farm or ranch is ineligible to apply for agency to make the programs locally relevant.
Page 16 ATTRA Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching

17. If you do not like the way programs are designed than 14 days prior to the meeting, and the State
and implemented, NRCS is unique in that it Conservationist is required to prepare meeting
also provides at least two ways for you to be agendas and necessary background informa-
engaged in changing them. tion for the meetings. There is no requirement
for any number of meetings in any given year,
Local Working Groups but any USDA agency can request that a meet-
ing be held.
Local working groups are essentially a form of
local governance of federal conservation pro- There is an extensive list of conservation
grams. The meetings are open to the general pub- programs that the STC has responsibilities to
lic and membership is open to any organization address. The list is available on the Internet or
with broad interest in agriculture. The meetings by contacting your local or state NRCS office
are convened by the local conservation district (see Resources). However, it is important to
in each state, and the purpose of the group is to remember that the STC is only an advisory
provide advice to the NRCS on conservation pro- body and has no legal enforcement or imple-
grams. Contact your local NRCS office about mentation authority. Nonetheless, members of
the meeting schedule in your area. As a farmer or the STCs are generally the leaders of agricul-
rancher, you can attend these meetings and offer ture in a particular state. It would be difficult
public comment on the decisions being made. for any State Conservationist not to give strong
Incumbents of any of several local government consideration to the recommendations of this
offices usually serve as leaders of these groups. important group.
Additionally, the working groups provide advice
in the following general areas: Final Word:
• Conditions of the natural resources and Is Conservation a Public Good?
the environment There are some farmers, ranchers, and agricul-
• The local application process, including tural and conservation organizations that have
ranking criteria and application periods had philosophical issues with the very intent of
• Identifying the educational and train- working lands conservation programs. Regard-
ing needs of producers ing the CSP, the concept of rewarding farm-
ers and ranchers for their current conserva-
• Cost-share rates and payment levels and tion efforts is fundamentally different from all
methods of payment other federal conservation programs. Some have
• Eligible conservation practices argued that if some farmers and ranchers are
• The need for new, innovative conserva- already providing these benefits without public
tion practices support, then why should scarce public resources
be provided to continue these efforts? (Batie,
• Public outreach and information efforts 2006). Others have argued that good steward-
• Program performance indicators ship by farmers and ranchers provides a public
(Montana NRCS, 2006) good or investment. This position holds that we
all benefit from these stewardship efforts, and
State Technical Committees public incentives are required to continue good
stewardship of the land and, more importantly,
Each state NRCS office has a State Technical
to encourage those who do not provide these
Committee (STC). The committee is comprised
public benefits to do so (Kemp, 2005).
of groups or individuals who represent a wide
variety of natural resource issues. If you wish to The EQIP program supports farmers and ranch-
serve on your STC, either as an individual or as ers who move toward improved conservation
a representative of a group, you must write a let- practices that protect natural resources and the
ter to your State Conservationist explaining your environment. The additional social benefits seem
interest and credentials. Several federal agencies clearer than with the CSP. However, EQIP also
must by law be represented on the committee has a role in regulating environmental dam-
and many non-governmental and state agen- ages from agriculture by ending poor farming
cies are encouraged to participate as well. Public and ranching practices before governmental
notification of meetings must be made no later enforcement actions are imposed. Consequently,
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 17

18. EQIP is often criticized for rewarding the worst programs still only represent about eight per-
environmental actors in the agriculture system. cent of all USDA expenditures. So even at this
These issues, like many others in our demo- higher level of activity, the federal govern-
cratic system, strike at the broader issue of ment is far more engaged in agriculture and
the proper role of government in protecting food systems in ways not related to the pro-
both the environment and the future pro- tection of our agricultural resource base and
ductive capacity of natural resources. Even natural environment. Perhaps conservation
with the substantial increases in federal con- eff orts need to be of even higher priority in
servation resources since 2002, conservation the United States.
References
Batie, Sandra. 2006. Green Payments Discussion Continues, Guide to the Conservation Stewardship Program, is particu-
Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, January/February, larly useful for more information on the CSP. Their website
Vol. 61, No. 3. is http://sustainableagriculture.net.
ERS. 2006. Contrasting Working-Land and Land
Retirement Programs. Economic Research Service, USDA, Internet, Intranet, and Telephone
Economic Brief No. 4. NRCS has an excellent intranet-based information sys-
Kemp, Loni. 2005. Conservation Investments: Green tem. The national NRCS website links to all state NRCS
Payments Can Replace a Broken Policy. Conservation websites. In turn, state websites link to local NRCS office
Planner, Vol. X, No. 3, Minnesota Project. websites if the local office maintains a site. Starting at the
national NRCS site is the best way to begin a search of all
Lundgren, Britt, Jody Biergiel, Meaghan Donovan, the programs and services the NRCS provides.
Christine Lee, and Kathleen Merrigan. 2006.
The Conservation Security Program: Rewards and If you do not have Internet access, your phone book should
challenges for New England farmers. Tufts University and list your local county NRCS office in the federal government
American Farmland Trust. www.farmland.org/programs/ section. If not, call the following state offices to get the
states/documents/NECSP.pdf (PDF / 2.8M) phone number of your local office.
Resources State Office Contacts
The Natural Resources Conservation Service has offices at
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition state, area, and district levels. For information on conservation
This 80-plus member coalition offers the latest information for a specific state or county, phone the State Conservationist
on federal conservation policy. A 2009 publication, Farmers’ listed below.
Page 18 ATTRA Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching

19. State State Conservationist Phone Fax E-mail
Alabama William (Bill) Puckett 334-887-4500 334-887-4552 bill.puckett@al.usda.gov
Alaska Robert N. Jones 907-761-7760 907-761-7790 robert.jones@ak.usda.gov
Arizona David L. McKay 602-280-8801 602-280-8809 david.mckay@az.usda.gov
Arkansas Mike Sullivan 501-301-3100 501-301-3194 mike.sullivan@ar.usda.gov
California Lincoln E. (Ed) Burton 530-792-5600 530-792-5790 ed.burton@ca.usda.gov
Caribbean Area Edwin Almodovar 787-766-5206 x237 787-766-6563 edwin.almodovar@pr.usda.gov
Colorado James Allen Green 720-544-2810 720-544-2965 allen.green@co.usda.gov
Connecticut Douglas Zehner 860-871-4011 860-871-4054 doug.zehner@ct.usda.gov
Delaware Russell Morgan 302-678-4160 302-678-0843 russell.morgan@de.usda.gov
Florida Carlos Suarez 352-338-9500 352-338-9574 carlos.suarez@fl.usda.gov
Georgia James E. Tillman Sr. 706-546-2272 706-546-2120 james.tillman@ga.usda.gov
Hawaii Lawrence T. Yamamoto 808-541-2600 x100 808-541-1335 larry.yamamoto@hi.usda.gov
Idaho Jeff Burwell 208-378-5700 208-378-5735 jeff.burwell@id.usda.gov
Illinois William J. Gradle 217-353-6600 217-353-6676 bill.gradle@il.usda.gov
Indiana Jane E. Hardisty 317-290-3200 317-290-3225 jane.hardisty@in.usda.gov
Iowa Richard Sims 515-284-6655 515-284-4394 richard.sims@ia.usda.gov
Kansas Eric B. Banks 785-823-4565 785-823-4540 eric.banks@ks.usda.gov
Kentucky Thomas A. Perrin 859-224-7350 859-224-7399 tom.perrin@ky.usda.gov
Louisiana Kevin D. Norton 318-473-7751 318-473-7626 kevin.norton@la.usda.gov
Maine Juan Hernandez 207- 990-9585 207-990-9599 juan.hernandez@me.usda.gov
Maryland Jon F. Hall 410-757-0861 x315 410-757-0687 jon.hall@md.usda.gov
Massachusetts Elvis Graves, Acting 413-253-4351 413-253-4375 elvis.graves@gnb.usda.gov
Michigan Garry D. Lee 517-324-5270 517-324-5171 garry.lee@mi.usda.gov
Minnesota Don A. Baloun 651-602-7900 651-602-7914 don.baloun@mn.usda.gov
Mississippi Homer L. Wilkes 601-965-5205 601-965-4940 homer.wilkes@ms.nrcs.usda.gov
Missouri J. R. Flores 573-876-0901 573-876-9439 jr.flores@mo.usda.gov
Montana Joyce Swartzendruber 406- 587-6813 406-587-6761 joyce.swartzendruber@mt.usda.gov
Nebraska Stephen K. Chick 402-437-5300 402-437-5327 steve.chick@ne.usda.gov
Nevada Bruce Petersen 775-857-8500 775-857-8524 bruce.petersen@nv.usda.gov
New Hampshire Richard Ellsmore 603-868-7581 x125 603-868-5301 richard.ellsmore@nh.usda.gov
New Jersey Thomas Drewes 732-537-6040 tom.drewes@nj.usda.gov
New Mexico Dennis L. Alexander 505-761-4400 505-761-4481 dennis.alexander@nm.usda.gov
New York Astor Boozer 315-477-6504 315-477-6550 astor.boozer@ny.usda.gov
North Carolina J.B. Martin, Jr. 919-873-2102 919-873-2156 jb.martin@nc.usda.gov
North Dakota Paul Sweeney 701-530-2000 701-530-2110 paul.sweeney@nd.usda.gov
Ohio Randy Jordan (Acting) 614- 255-2472 614-255-2475 randy.jordan@oh.usda.gov
Oklahoma Ronald L. Hilliard 405-742-1204 405-742-1126 ron.hilliard@ok.usda.gov
Oregon Ron Alvarado 503-414-3200 503-414-3103 ron.alvarado@or.usda.gov
Lawrence T. (Larry)
Pacific Basin 671-472-7490 671-472-7288 larry.yamamoto@pb.usda.gov
Yamamoto
Pennsylvania Denise Coleman 717-237-2203 717-237-2238 denise.coleman@pa.usda.gov
Phoukham (Pooh)
Rhode Island 401- 828-1300 Ext. 8 401-822-0433 pooh.vongkhamdy@ri.usda.gov
Vongkhamdy
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