AHOSKIE, N.C., January 8, 2024—Farmers and woodland owners who want to take advantage of a new round of conservation assistance available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have until January 12 to apply for one of the most helpful programs. The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) offers technical and financial assistance to help agricultural and forest producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. The program is designed to compensate agricultural and forest producers who agree to increase their level of conservation by adopting additional conservation activities and maintaining their baseline level of conservation.
The NRCS office in North Carolina accepts applications year-round; however, an application reception deadline has been established in order to proceed with the office’s current allocation for fiscal year 2024. The application reception deadline established for CSP assistance is January 12.
“NC NRCS is making tremendous strides to provide financial assistance to the producers in the state. In FY2023 we were able to aware more than $57 million to producers to address natural resource concerns on their operation,” said Julius George, assistant state conservationist for programs. “All landowners are encouraged to establish a relationship with their local NRCS personnel and apply for assistance through the numerous programs we have available.”
Assistance also is being offered through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Alton Perry, director of the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project that partners with the NRCS in North Carolina, encourages forestry landowners to contact him if they have questions about program assistance opportunities and/or the management of their forestland.
“NRCS offers an array of programs that can make a meaningful difference for landowners and their property and its habitats,” Perry said. “I hope that woodland and farm owners desiring to increase the productivity and health of their property will take the time to determine whether the programs can help them achieve their goals and, if so, apply in a timely manner.”
Established in 2013 with support from Roanoke Cooperative and other organizations, SFLRP helps families in 13 counties in northeastern North Carolina increase the income and asset value of family-owned forestland and encourages forest health, land retention and the opportunity to create intergenerational wealth. Perry can be reached at 252-539-4614 or aperry@roanokecooperative.com.
More information about financial and technical assistance available to help North Carolina farmers and other landowners improve and protect their land can be found at www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov.
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