UPDATES

NRCS is inviting licensed foresters and experienced organic planners to become certified Technical Service providers (TSP). To learn more visit:  http://www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/      

Through the 2008 Farm Bill, NRCS is now offering conservation practices in the following areas:

If you own or manage farmland or forest land, run a greenhouse, or grow shellfish or other specialty crops in Massachusetts, then the 2008 Farm Bill conservation programs can help you address natural resource concerns and opportunities on your land.

These programs extend through federal fiscal year 2013 (October 1, 2012 - September 30, 2013). Applications may be filed at anytime throughout the year. Two rounds of funding decisions will be made based on batch rankings of eligible applications received by February 15, 2013.

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) - AMA helps mitigate the risk of drought to farms through new irrigation systems.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) - CSP is a voluntary program that encourages agricultural and forestry producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional ones on their operations.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) - EQIP helps promote farm and forest production by enhancing the environmental quality of soil, water, air, plants and animals.

EQIP Energy Initiative- NRCS is now offering technical and financial assistance for conservation practices related to on-farm energy efficiency. Farmers can get help identifying ways to conserve energy on their farms through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP), also known as an on-farm energy audit and to implement AgEMP-recommended measures.

EQIP High Tunnel Initiative- NRCS is conducting a three-year high tunnel, pilot project. Agricultural producers can apply to receive financial and technical assistance to help NRCS test the conservation benefits and effects of high tunnels (also known as hoop houses) in practical, real-world situations.

EQIP Organic Initiative- NRCS is now offering technical and financial assistance for conservation practices related to organic production through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative.

Long Island Sound Partnership - coming soon!

New England/New York Forestry Initiative- read about our region's own Landscape Initiative on the national NRCS website or download the following fact sheet.

National Water Quality Initiative in Massachusetts- the Palmer River in southeastern Massachusetts has been selected as the Bay State's priority watershed.

Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) - FRPP works in partnership with the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program to protect agricultural lands through the purchase of development rights.

Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP) - GRP offers compensation for landowners to protect, restore and enhance grasslands.

Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) - WRP promotes the protection and restoration of wetlands through the purchase of easements and enhancement activities.

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) - WHIP helps improve fish and wildlife habitat and restore natural ecosystems.

Program Publications

A Guide to the 2008 Farm Bill Conservation Programs in Massachusetts and Understanding the 2008 Farm Bill Conservation Programs can be found at http://www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/

Other Programs