The following federal assistance programs are designed to promote conservation activities, habitat protection or restoration on your land through grants, cost share, or technical assistance.

USDA Seeks Project Proposals to Improve Water Quality In Mississippi River Basin
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking project proposals that will improve water quality and the overall health of the Mississippi River in 41 eligible watersheds in 12 states, including Arkansas.

Initiative offers funding for organic, transitional growers - Deadline for applications set for March 12, 2010
Washington agricultural producers transitioning to organic production or already certified as organic, may qualify for technical and financial assistance to address natural resource concerns, USDA’s NRCS announced today.

Funding Available to Fight Invasive Weeds
The USDA NRCS is offering $1.5 million in cost share assistance to landowners through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) to control invasive species in fully or over appropriated watersheds. Landowners have until March 12, 2010, to sign up for assistance.

USDA Announces CRP Expansion
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack recently announced that USDA will conduct an open enrollment for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) this spring, marking the first general sign-up since 2006.

Initiative offers funding for organic, transitional growers - Deadline for applications set for March 12, 2010
Washington agricultural producers transitioning to organic production or already certified as organic, may qualify for technical and financial assistance to address natural resource concerns, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today.

Grassland Reserve Program Signup Open Until March 12
Arkansans who own grazing lands are encouraged to consider signing up for the USDA's 2010 Grassland Reserve Program (GRP). GRP assists landowners by protecting grazing lands through the conservation of grassland resources on eligible private lands.

USDA Seeks Project Proposals to Improve Water Quality in Mississippi River Basin
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking project proposals that will improve water quality and the overall health of the Mississippi River in 41 eligible watersheds in 12 states.

Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) Signup Open Until March 12
Arkansans who own grazing lands are encouraged to consider signing up for the USDA's 2010 Grassland Reserve Program (GRP).

Working Lands Initiative (WLI) includes a new program effective Jan. 1
The state hopes a new initiative to preserve farmland can "cluster farms together" and encourage farmers, businesses and local governments to invest in agriculture.

Applications for free conservation training program
The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, UMass Extension Program is accepting applications for the Keystone Cooperator Project (formerly Coverts).

Organics Initiative Funding Announced
The 2008 Farm Bill provides NRCS with authority to provide organic growers an opportunity to compete for funds through the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

USDA, IRS partner to reduce farm fraud
The USDA is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service to reduce fraud in farm programs and streamline payment limits for family farmers.

Farmland Preservation Funding Opportunity
The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), administered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is now accepting applications for funding. Organizations with an eligible farmland preservation program can apply for FRPP, which provides up to half of the appraised fair market value of the farm's preservation easement.

North Dakota Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) Geographic Area Rate Cap (GARC) Establishment
The following GARC analysis describes the process for calculating GARCs for the 2010 Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) in ND. WRP easements in ND are located primarily on dry land.

USDA to launch high tunnel pilot study to increase availability of locally grown foods
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced a new pilot project under the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels - also known as hoop houses - to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way.

USDA to launch high tunnel pilot study to increase availability of locally grown foods
Funding available for producers to participate in 3-year project. USDA’s NRCS recently announced a new pilot project under the “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels – also known as hoop houses – to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way.

USDA Launches High Tunnel Pilot Study To Increase Availability of Locally Grown Foods
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced a new pilot project under the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels–also known as hoop houses–to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way.

Producers urged to carefully consider CRP break-out options; financial, technical assistance available to protect land
SPOKANE, Wash., (Dec. 7, 2009) – After years of harvesting environmental and wildlife benefits from their land, many Washington growers will soon face decisions about what to harvest next from their CRP acres. More than 90,000 contracted acres will expire in 2010, while nearly 175,000 acres will expire in 2011.

USDA Works With South Dakota To Improve James River Water Quality
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds in signing an agreement that will improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, aid flood control and enhance wildlife habitat in the state’s James River Watershed.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces $1.7 Billion in Conservation Reserve Program Rental Payments
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA will distribute approximately $1.7 billion in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rental payments to participants across the country in fiscal year 2010.

NRCS ANNOUNCES STRONG INTEREST IN NEW CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (CSP)
Chief Dave White today announced that NRCS has received nearly 21,300 applications to participate in the new Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These applications cover more than 33 million acres, nationwide.

Program Helps Farmers Protect Land
Any landowner in the county who wants to do the right thing for local streams, neighbors' well water, and the health of the Chesapeake Bay can get a lot of help from the government.