March 9, 2022 - DAVIS, Calif. – The next deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for funding this year is April 1, 2022.

“CSP helps agricultural producers in California take their conservation activities on their farm or ranch to the next level of conservation stewardship,” said NRCS California State Conservationist Carlos Suarez.

While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should act quickly to submit their application to their local NRCS office. Applications must be received no later than April 1, 2022, to be considered for 2022 funding.

Through CSP, producers earn payments for actively managing, maintaining, and expanding conservation activities integrated within their agricultural operations. CSP enhancements like cover crops, grazing management, ecologically based pest management and buffer strips help producers improve soil health while protecting water quality. Other CSP activities help sustain and increase pollinator and beneficial insect habitat in harmony with agriculture production on their land.

CSP also encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as advanced irrigation water management techniques and precision nutrient application. CSP helps increase plant community diversity on range and forestland and improves water quality on all agricultural land uses.

CSP is an ideal program for producers who seek to extend conservation benefits they achieved using conservation management practices along with structural and vegetative practices to address resource concerns on their operations. Applicants will need to demonstrate a record of past management efforts, including past participation in NRCS management practices, to have a competitive application for CSP participation.

Producers interested in CSP are recommended to contact their local USDA service center or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted.

Source: USDA