USDA is launching the “Farmer First, Field Focused” pilot to put conservation planning first and simplify financial assistance for producers.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will help producers develop plans around their land’s needs and operational goals before considering funding options. Field staff will provide planning and technical assistance, while program specialists handle contracts, payments and paperwork. States will draw on local input to establish funding priorities and use a streamlined application evaluation process.
The nine participating states are Hawaii, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia.
USDA expects faster decisions, fewer administrative demands and $3 million redirected toward conservation priorities identified by states and local communities. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.
