ATHENS, GEORGIA, Feb. 5, 2024 – The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia is announcing a Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) sign-up today. Agricultural producers and forest landowners looking to build on previous conservation efforts and building climate resiliency should consider one of two funding opportunities available to them this year and apply by March 8.
“The Conservation Stewardship Program continues to help our customers invest in more a sustainable future,” said Terrance O. Rudolph, state conservationist for NRCS in Georgia. “This year’s sign-up, including the IRA funding will help Georgia’s producers build a more climate resilient landscape across more communities.”
CSP-Classic
NRCS offers CSP in all 50 states, as well as the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-ups. The program provides many benefits, including increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to adverse weather. CSP is for working lands, including organic and traditional agricultural cropland and pastureland, as well as nonindustrial private forest land, and agricultural land under Indian tribe jurisdiction.
Special provisions are available for historically underserved producers, which include those considered beginning, socially disadvantaged and limited resource as well as military veterans. These producers have targeted funds.
Find eligible practices in Georgia and practice payment amounts here. Payment rates for conservation practices are reviewed and set each fiscal year for the state.
CSP-Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
For the IRA funded portion of this year’s statewide sign-up, all organic and traditional agricultural cropland and pastureland, as well as nonindustrial private forest land operators are eligible to apply for the following Climate-Smart practices and enhancement categories: Soil Health and Nutrient Management; Energy and Electrical Efficiency; Grazing and Pasture; and Agroforestry, Forestry and Upland Wildlife Habitat.
Download the Georgia CSP – Inflation Reduction Act Activities List for more information.
How to Apply
NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, but to be included in this funding batch, interested producers should contact their local USDA Service Center and apply by March 8, 2024. Additional sign-up batches may be announced later, subject to the availability of funding.
More Information
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under 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 safe, 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, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.