USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and landowners who want to address conservation needs on their farms. North Carolina programs can provide assistance for practices that improve soil health, water and air quality, reduce erosion, improve wildlife habitat, and address other natural resource concerns.
Programs include:
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Financial and technical assistance for implementing conservation practices and addressing natural resource concerns.
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Financial and technical assistance for farmers who want to maintain and build upon existing conservation efforts.
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Assistance for eligible agricultural land and wetland conservation easements.
Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program (RPP): Supports whole-farm regenerative practices through EQIP and CSP.
Who it's for:
Eligible agricultural producers and landowners in North Carolina. Eligibility varies by program. For example, EQIP is available to agricultural producers and owners of eligible non-industrial private forestland, while CSP is available on eligible private and Tribal agricultural lands and non-industrial private forestland.
Current application deadline:
October 30, 2026 for consideration for FY2027 funding. NRCS accepts applications year-round, but establishes cutoff dates for applications to be evaluated and ranked for available funding.
How to get started:
Farmers can contact their local USDA Service Center to discuss their goals, determine eligibility, and begin an application. NRCS also provides conservation planning and technical assistance to help producers determine which practices may be appropriate for their operation.
Learn More:
USDA NRCS – North Carolina
Current North Carolina funding announcement:
NRCS North Carolina Conservation Program Application Information