Did you know that there are roughly $30 billion available for NRCS programs? The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is an agency dedicated to preserving our nation’s natural resources and working lands. If your farm goals align with the practices the agency wants to promote, you have the opportunity to receive technical assistance or funding to support your work.
Finding Your NRCS Agent
The first step towards accessing the benefits of NRCS programs is to find your local NRCS agent. Each state has at least one, and often several. You can find yours by searching your county name, NRCS office.
Initiating a conversation with your NRCS agent is key to understanding the resources and opportunities available to you. They’ll talk with you about your property, what your goals are and your long term vision. Then they’ll walk you through the programs available and the forms you’ll need to fill out.
In certain offices, the agent may assist you directly in completing the forms. However, in other cases, you might be provided with a stack of forms and directions written in bureaucratic gobbeldygook for how to fill them out.
If you find yourself in need of help during this process and you can’t get a straight answer from NRCS, reach out to Good Agriculture. We’ve filled out a lot of NRCS forms!
Forms and Documentation
To successfully apply for NRCS programs, you’ll need to gather certain forms and documentation. These include:
– An official tax ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, social security card, or employer ID.
– Proof of property ownership, such as a property deed or lease agreement.
– The farm number assigned to your land.
If you don’t have a farm number, you’ll need to get in touch with your local Farm Services Administration office. This is often located in the same building as your NRCS office, and the number is free.
It’s important to note that you’ll need to fill out separate forms for each entity that interacts with the property. This includes yourself, your company (if applicable), and the landowners, among others. Ensuring that all necessary forms are completed accurately is crucial to a successful application.
Application Process and Funding
NRCS accepts applications for their programs year-round. However, there are specific dates when all applications are reviewed and ranked according to local priorities. The distribution of funds is based on this ranking system. Therefore, it’s vital to submit your application within the specified application period to be considered for funding.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to have the necessary funds upfront to complete your project. NRCS will partially reimburse you after the project’s completion. This upfront investment prevents fraud and helps the agency ensure that its goals are met. Some beginning and underserved farmers may be eligible for partial assistance with the upfront costs, but you’ll always have to spend some of your own money first. Reimbursement on the back end can be anything from 50-90% of the project cost.