Kristina “Tina” Jerome, Acting State Conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), announced the 2023 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Classic application deadline. Oklahoma agricultural producers who wish to be considered for the upcoming Fiscal Year’s (FY) funding should apply by Friday, March 31, 2023.
Through CSP, NRCS helps farmers and ranchers earn payments for maintaining their current level of conservation across their entire operation. CSP provides the opportunity to expand their conservation activities by adopting new technologies and management techniques. The program provides many benefits including increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to weather extremes. CSP is for working lands including cropland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forestland, and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of a tribe. Farmsteads and other associated agricultural lands are also included. CSP also provides specific support for organic and transitioning to organic producers.
CSP is a program made for farm operators. To be eligible, contract participants must meet Farm Bill Program eligibility in conjunction with the Farm Service Agency (FSA), including meeting the Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and Wetland Compliance requirements and the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limits.
While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline to ensure their operations are considered for FY 2023 funding.
Interested producers looking to increase their level of conservation across their operation can apply for CSP at their local USDA Service Center.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure, and clean energy capabilities in rural America. This administration is committed to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
