Prioritizing Conservation and Land Stewardship
Businesses – including farms and ranches – can benefit from provisions that save money on energy costs by utilizing federal funding.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has numerous programs to assist farmers, ranchers, and foresters with their land stewardship and production goals.
The Latest on USDA Funding Freezes
The current administration has put USDA funds on hold, including Rural Energy for America Program Renewable (REAP) funding that provided resources for agricultural producers to switch to clean energy in Wisconsin.
See this map for an overview of unpaid REAP and Empowering Rural America (New ERA) funding for rural electric co-ops to transition to clean energy. Lawsuits have been filed on behalf of farmers and affected organizations. Connect with your local NRCS office to learn about what NRCS options are still available to you.
The current administration has put USDA funds on hold, including Rural Energy for America Program Renewable (REAP) funding that provided resources for agricultural producers to switch to clean energy in Wisconsin.
See this map for an overview of unpaid REAP and Empowering Rural America (New ERA) funding for rural electric co-ops to transition to clean energy. Lawsuits have been filed on behalf of farmers and affected organizations. Connect with your local NRCS office to learn about what NRCS options are still available to you.
National Resources Conservation Service (NCRS)
National Resources Conservation Service (NCRS) NCRS is the USDA’s conservation arm, where landowners and producers can receive free technical assistance to determine best conservation practices for resource concerns (i.e. soil health, erosion, forest management, etc.) and recommendations for cost-share programs. There are two programs within NCRS for producers, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program that incentivizes agricultural and forestry producers and landowners to conserve and enhance natural resources on their land. EQIP promotes agricultural production, forest management, and environmental quality as compatible goals.
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary, comprehensive working lands conservation program designed to help farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forest land producers continue to protect and improve natural resources and the environment on their farm.
The Wisconsin NRCS website has information on these and other federal programs, including resources for small-scale, diversified producers. You can also find your local service center (by county) at nrcs.usda.gov.
The Wisconsin NRCS website has information on these and other federal programs, including resources for small-scale, diversified producers. You can also find your local service center (by county) at nrcs.usda.gov.
The Wisconsin NRCS website has information on these and other federal programs, including resources for small-scale, diversified producers. You can also find your local service center (by county) at nrcs.usda.gov
The Wisconsin NRCS website has information on these and other federal programs, including resources for small-scale, diversified producers. You can also find your local service center (by county) at nrcs.usda.gov
