Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to
August 19, 2020
Programs
Megan Stubbs
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency
Specialist in Agricultural
(FSA) in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) currently administer over 20
Conservation and Natural
programs and subprograms that are directly or indirectly available to assist producers
Resources Policy
and landowners who wish to practice conservation on agricultural lands. The number of

these programs and the differences among them have created some confusion about the

purpose, participation, and policies of the programs. While some effort has been made to
remove duplication, a large number of programs remain, including the following:
ï‚· Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
ï‚· Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)
ï‚· Conservation Operations (CO); Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA)
ï‚· Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
ï‚· CRPâ€”Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
ï‚· CRPâ€”CLEAR30
ï‚· CRPâ€”Farmable Wetland Program
ï‚· CRPâ€”Grasslands
ï‚· CRPâ€”Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP)
ï‚· Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
ï‚· CSPâ€”Grassland Conservation Initiative (GCI)
ï‚· Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)
ï‚· Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP)
ï‚· Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP)
ï‚· Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
ï‚· EQIPâ€”Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)
ï‚· EQIP, CIGâ€”On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials
ï‚· Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program
ï‚· Grassroots Source Water Protection Program
ï‚· Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP)
ï‚· Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)
ï‚· Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program
ï‚· Water Bank Program
ï‚· Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations
ï‚· Watershed Rehabilitation Program
These programs endeavor to protect soil, water, wildlife, and other natural resources on privately owned
agricultural lands to limit environmental impacts of production activities both on and off the farm while
maintaining or improving production of food and fiber. Some of these programs center on improving or restoring
resources that have been degraded, while others seek to create conditions with the objective of limiting
degradation in the future. In general, agricultural conservation programs can be grouped into the following
categories based on similarities: working lands, land retirement, easement, partnership and grants, compliance,
technical assistance, emergency assistance, watershed, and other programs and provisions.
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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Introduction
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers a number of agricultural conservation
programs that assist private landowners with natural resource concerns. The number and funding
levels for agricultural conservation programs have steadily increased over the past 60 years. Early
conservation efforts undertaken by Congress focused on reducing high levels of soil erosion and
providing water to agriculture in quantities and quality that enhanced farm production. By the
early 1980s, however, concern was growing that these programs were not adequately dealing with
environmental problemsâ€”especially those occurring off the farmâ€”resulting from agricultural
activities. In 1985, conservation policy took a new direction when Congress passed the Food
Security Act of 1985 (1985 farm bill, P.L. 99-198), which established the first conservation
programs designed to deal with environmental issues resulting from agricultural activities.
Provisions enacted in subsequent farm bills in 1990, 1996, 2002, 2008, 2014, and 20181 reflect a
rapid evolution of the conservation agenda, including the growing influence of environmentalists
and other nonagricultural interests in the formulation of conservation policy, and a recognition
that agriculture was not treated like other business sectors in many environmental laws.2 Congress
also began funding many of these new programs through mandatory spending for the first time,
using the borrowing authority of USDAâ€™s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)3 as the funding
mechanism instead of annual appropriations. In addition to the original soil erosion and water
quality and quantity issues, the conservation agenda has continued to expand to address other
natural resource concerns, such as wildlife habitat, air quality, wetlands restoration and
protection, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture.
Lead agricultural conservation agencies within USDA are the Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS), which provides technical assistance and administers most conservation
programs, and the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which administers the Conservation Reserve
Program (CRP). These agencies are supported by others in USDA that supply research and
educational assistance, including the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the Economic
Research Service (ERS), the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and the Forest
Service (FS).4 In addition, agricultural conservation programs involve a large array of partners,
including other federal agencies, state and local governments, and private organizations, among
others, who provide funds, expertise, and other forms of assistance to further agricultural
conservation efforts.

1 Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-624), Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L.
104-127), Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171), Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (P.L. 110-246), Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79), and Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-
334).
2 For additional discussion on conservation in the farm bill, see CRS Report R45698, Agricultural Conservation in the
2018 Farm Bill.
3 The CCC is the funding mechanism for the mandatory payments that are administered by various agencies of USDA,
including all of the farm commodity price and income support programs. For more information on the CCC, see CRS
Report R44606, The Commodity Credit Corporation: In Brief.
4 For more information on ARS projects, see http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/Research.htm; ERS projects, see
http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/natural-resources-environment/conservation-programs.aspx; NIFA programs, see
http://www.nifa.usda.gov; and FS projects, see http://www.fs.fed.us/projects/.
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Overview
USDA provides technical and financial assistance to attract interest and encourage participation in
conservation programs. Participation in all USDA conservation programs is voluntary. These
programs endeavor to protect soil, water, wildlife, and other natural resources on privately owned
agricultural lands to limit environmental impacts of production activities both on and off the
farm, while maintaining or improving production of food and fiber. Some of these programs
center on improving or restoring resources that have been degraded, while others seek to create
conditions with the objective of limiting degradation in the future.
Although programs in this report are listed alphabetically, agricultural conservation programs can
be grouped into the following categories based on similarities: working lands, land retirement,
easement, partnership and grants, compliance,5 technical assistance, emergency assistance,6
watershed, and other programs and provisions (Figure 1).
The majority of conservation programs are funded through CCC as mandatory spending.
Congress authorizes mandatory programs at specified funding levels (or acreage enrollment
levels for CRP) for multiple years, typically through omnibus legislation such as the farm bill.
Mandatory programs are funded at these levels unless Congress limits funding to a lower amount
through the appropriations or legislative process or puts a ceiling on acreage that can be enrolled.7
Discretionary programs are funded each year through the annual appropriations process.8
Sequestration continues to have an effect on conservation programs. Sequestration is a process of
automatic, largely across-the-board reductions that permanently cancel mandatory and/or
discretionary budget authority to enforce statutory budget goals.9 Discretionary accounts have
avoided sequestration in recent years through adjustments to spending limits, although
sequestration continues on mandatory accounts. Most mandatory conservation programs were
subject to sequestration in FY2014 through FY2020.10 Even with sequestration and
appropriations act reductions, total annual mandatory budget authority for conservation programs
has grown from a total of $3.9 billion in FY2008 to over $6.7 billion in FY2020.11

5 Compliance refers to a series of farm bill provisions that require a minimum level of conservation on environmentally
sensitive land in exchange for access to other USDA program benefits. Compliance provisions are not discussed in this
report. Additional analysis may be found in CRS Report R42459, Conservation Compliance and U.S. Farm Policy.
6 Additional information on emergency land rehabilitation programs may be found in CRS Report R42854, Emergency
Assistance for Agricultural Land Rehabilitation.
7 Reduction to mandatory funding authority for agricultural conservation programs occurred annually through
appropriations acts from FY2003 through FY2017. FY2018 was the first appropriations act since FY2002 that did not
reduce mandatory conservation program funding. For additional discussion on these reductions, see CRS In Focus
IF10041, Reductions to Mandatory Agricultural Conservation Programs in Appropriations Law.
8 For additional information on the FY2020 conservation appropriation, see CRS Report R46011, FY2020
Appropriations for Agricultural Conservation.
9 For additional information on sequestration and the budget process, see CRS Report R42972, Sequestration as a
Budget Enforcement Process: Frequently Asked Questions.
10 The Conservation Reserve Program is statutorily exempt from sequestration (2 U.S.C. 905 (g)(1)(A)). Sequestration
reductions announced for FY2019 were reflected in the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) baseline that was used to
write the 2018 farm bill. For more information, see CRS Report R45425, Budget Issues That Shaped the 2018 Farm
Bill. Sequestration estimates may be found in the Office of Management and Budgetâ€™s (OMBâ€™s) Reports to the
Congress on the Joint Committee Reductions, at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/legislative/sequestration-reports-
orders/.
11 CRS using CBO baseline data, FY2008-FY2020.
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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Figure 1. USDA Agricultural Conservation Programs by Type

Source: CRS.
2018 Farm Bill
The conservation title of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 farm bill; P.L. 115-334,
Title II) reauthorized and amended many of the largest conservation programs and created a
number of new pilot programs, carve-outs, and initiatives. The House- and Senate-passed farm
bills (H.R. 2) each included a number of amendments to existing conservation programs, many of
which did not overlap. This generally resulted in the inclusion of a mix of amendments from each
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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

chamber in the enacted bill and an overall expansion in the number of conservation programs and
initiatives. For additional information on conservation programs in the 2018 farm bill, see CRS
Report R45698, Agricultural Conservation in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Conservation Programs
The tabular presentation that follows provides basic information covering each of the USDA
agricultural conservation programs, including
ï‚· administering agency or agencies within USDA;
ï‚· brief program description;
ï‚· summary of major amendments to the program in the Agriculture Improvement
Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), commonly referred to as the 2018 farm bill;
ï‚· national scope and availability, including participation levels and acres enrolled;
ï‚· states with the highest level of funds obligated or acres enrolled;
ï‚· volume of application backlog or public interest in each program;
ï‚· authorized funding levels, whether mandatory spending or discretionary
appropriations, and any funding restrictions;
ï‚· FY2020 funding level in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L.
116-94, Division B), or, if applicable, the authorized level in the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018 (sequestration, transfers, and carryover are included
and noted where known);
ï‚· FY2021 funding level requested by the Administration (sequestration and
carryover is not included unless noted);
ï‚· statutory authority, recent amendments, and U.S. Code reference;
ï‚· expiration date of program authority unless permanently authorized; and
ï‚· programâ€™s website link.
Information for the following tables is drawn from agency budget presentations, explanatory
notes, and websites; written responses to questions published each year in hearing records of the
Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittees of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees;
and spending estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. Some figures may not total due to
rounding. Further information about these programs may be found on the NRCS website at
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov and on the â€œconservation programsâ€ page of the FSA website at
http://www.fsa.usda.gov.
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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
Administering
NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
ACEP provides financial and technical assistance through two types of easements:
description
agricultural land easements that limit nonagricultural uses on productive farm or grass
lands, and wetland reserve easements that protect and restore wetlands.
Agricultural Land Easements (ALE)â€”Enrol ment is through eligible entities that enter into
cooperative agreements to obligate ACEP funds. The entities acquire easements and hold,
monitor, manage, and enforce the easements. The federal share of easement acquisition
cannot exceed 50% of the appraised fair market value or 75% if it is determined to be a
grassland of special environmental significance.
Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE)â€”Enrol ment options (federal share) include permanent
easements (100% easement value and 75%-100% restoration cost), 30-year easements
(50%-75% easement value and 50%-75% restoration cost), term easements or the
maximum duration under state law (50%-75% easement value and 50%-75% restoration
cost), and 30-year contracts only available to Indian tribes (50%-75% easement value and
50%-75% restoration cost). NRCS pays all costs associated with recording the easement.
Major 2018 farm
ACEP was reauthorized and amended with most changes affecting ALE. Amendments to
bill amendments
ALE include providing additional flexibilities to ACEP-eligible entities; creating a new â€œbuy-
protect-sellâ€ transaction; reducing the eligible entityâ€™s nonfederal contribution; changing
USDAâ€™s administrative role; and clarifying requirements for subordination, exchange,
modification, and termination of easements. Amendments to WRE center on changes to
compatible use and vegetative cover requirements. Funding for ACEP was also increased.
National scope
Available nationwide. Easements are considered enrol ed when the landowner and NRCS
enter into the agreement authorizing NRCS to proceed with the purchase of the
easement. The easement is closed when the purchase is complete and formally recorded.
In FY2019, $245 mil ion in ACEP funding was used to enrol an estimated total of 159,031
acres of farmland, grassland, and wetlands through 459 new ACEP enrol ments, as well as
closing 400 easements on 163,157 acres. This includes ALE easementsâ€“â€“117 on 41,519
acres; ALE grassland easementsâ€“â€“16 on 46,907 acres; WRE permanent easementsâ€“â€“255
on 38,128 acres; WRE 30-year easementsâ€“â€“5 on 386 acres; and no WRE 30-year
contracts with Tribes.
Leading states
The highest levels of funding obligated in FY2019 were in FL ($29.7 mil ion), LA ($23.9
mil ion), and MS ($23.4 mil ion).
Backlog/Interest
Agricultural Land Easements (ALE)â€”In FY2019, ALE applications were received for over
248,000 acres, including applications for grasslands of special environmental significance.
Approximately 36% of applications were enrol ed.
Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE)â€”In FY2019, WRE applications were received for over
408,800 acres. Approximately 9% of applications were enrol ed.
Funding authority
Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $450 mil ion annually for FY2019-FY2023.
FY2020 funding
$414 mil ion (authorized $450 mil ion is reduced by sequestration and by a transfer to the
Farm Production and Conservation Business Center).
FY2021
$450 mil ion (authorization to be reduced by an unknown amount of sequestration).
Administration
Requests an annual funding reduction of $40 mil ion beginning in FY2021 and a transfer of
request
$8.3 mil ion to the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center in FY2021.
Statutory
Authorized in subtitle D of Title II (Â§2301) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79) as
authority
Â§1265 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in Â§Â§2601-
2605 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. Â§Â§3865-3865d.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/acep/
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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)
Administering
NRCS (conservation assistance), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS, organic
agency(s)
certification), and Risk Management Agency (RMA, production, price, or revenue risk
reduction). Beginning in 2017, AMS transferred organic certification cost-share functions
under AMA to FSA.
Program
AMA provides cost-sharing assistance under contracts of one to 10 years to producers in
description
16 specified states where participation in the federal crop insurance program has been
historically low. Producers use this assistance to construct or improve water management
and irrigation structures, plant trees, control soil erosion, practice integrated pest
management, practice organic farming, develop value-added processing, and enter into
futures, hedging, or options contracts to reduce production, price, or revenue risk.
Major 2018 farm
None.
bill amendments
National scope
Not available nationwide. Eligible states are CT, DE, HI, ME, MD, MA, NV, NH, NJ, NY,
PA, RI, UT, VT, WV, and WY. In FY2019, over $3.5 mil ion in AMA funding (for
conservation only) was used to enrol 217 AMA contracts covering close to 4,000 acres
within eligible states.
Leading states
States with the most funds obligated (for conservation only) in FY2018 were ME
($821,000), WV ($674,000), and PA ($489,000).
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding authority
Mandatory and subject to sequestration. Permanently authorized at $10 mil ion for each
fiscal year. Funding is split by law among the three USDA agencies: 50% to NRCS, 10% to
AMS, and 40% to RMA.
FY2020 funding
$9.4 mil ion, including $4.7 mil ion for conservation (authorized $10 mil ion reduced by
sequestration).
FY2021
$10 mil ion, including $5 mil ion for conservation (authorization to be reduced by an
Administration
unknown amount of sequestration).
request
Statutory
Authorized in Title I, Â§133 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-224)
authority
as Â§524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended. 7 U.S.C. Â§1524(b).
Authorization
Permanent authorization.
expires
Program websites
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/ama (NRCS)
and https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/occsp/index (FSA).
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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Conservation Operations (CO)â€”
Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA)
Administering
NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
Conservation Operations (CO) is the primary account funding technical assistance within
description
NRCS. More than 88% of CO funding is for Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA),
which provides conservation planning and implementation assistance through field staff
placed in almost all counties within the United States and territories. This assistance is
provided to producers and landowners who voluntarily apply natural resource conservation
systems, consisting of one or more practices, on private and other nonfederal lands. Other
components of CO include the Soil Surveys, Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting,
and Plant Materials Centers.
Major 2018 farm
None.
bill amendments
National scope
Available nationwide. CTA was funded at $720.3 mil ion and 3,066 staff years for FY2019.
Total CO obligations for FY2019 were $858 mil ion and 4,558 staff years. Staff year refers
to a ful -time position funded for one year.
Leading states
No data are available for CTA alone in FY2019, but the three leading states for total CO
funding were TX ($31.6 mil ion), MO ($23.7 mil ion), and IA ($21.8 mil ion).
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding
Discretionary. No specific authorization level.
authority
FY2020 funding
$735.6 mil ion for CTA out of $829.6 mil ion appropriated for all CO.
FY2021
$729.5 mil ion for CTA out of $830.2 mil ion for all CO.
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (P.L. 74-46), as amended.
authority
16 U.S.C. Â§590a-g, 16 U.S.C. Â§590q.
Authorization
Permanent authorization.
expires
Program website
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cta/ (CTA); http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/
site/soils/home/ (soil survey); https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/
water/snowsurvey/ (snow survey and water supply forecasting); and http://plant-
materials.nrcs.usda.gov/ (plant materials centers).
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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
Administering
FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
CRP provides annual rental payments, usually over 10 years, to producers to replace crops
description
on highly erodible and environmentally sensitive land with long-term resource-conserving
plantings. Bids to enrol land are solicited during a limited time period, then compared using
an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI). Those with the highest EBI scores are accepted.
This is referred to as general sign-up. Embedded in the CRP are several small and more
focused subprograms and initiatives that bypass the general bidding process and address
specific resource topics. All lands that qualify for these subprograms and initiatives are
automatically accepted and enrol ed on a continuous basis. This is referred to as
continuous sign-up.
Major 2018 farm
CRP was reauthorized and amended, including an incremental increase in its enrol ment
bill amendments
ceiling from 24 mil ion acres in FY2019 to 27 mil ion acres by FY2023. This increase in
enrol ment was partly offset by reducing rental rates for general contracts to 85% of the
county average rental rate and to 90% of the county average rental rate for continuous
contracts. Cost-share payments were limited to the actual cost of establishing the
approved practices, including not more than 50% for seed mix costs. A number of other
amendments were included that would further expand grazing and commercial uses on
CRP acres as well as transition options for new and limited resource producers. Existing
subprograms were codified and new pilot programs were created.
National scope
As of May 2020, there were 588,855 active contracts on 333,683 farms with 21.9 mil ion
acres enrol ed. Of this total, 13.2 mil ion acres were enrol ed under general sign-up,
927,140 acres under Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program sign-up (CREP), 6.5
mil ion acres under non-CREP sign-up, 391,508 acres under Farmable Wetland sign-up, and
919,127 acres under grasslands sign-up.
Leading states
Leading states by total acres enrol ed are TX (2.8 mil ion), KS (1.9 mil ion), and CO (1.8
mil ion). Leading states by total number of contracts are IA (104,953), IL (75,073), and MN
(54,381).
Backlog/Interest
The most recent CRP general sign-up was held in FY2020 (#54). During sign-up #54, 89%
of acres offered for enrol ment were accepted (3.8 mil ion acres offered and 3.4 acres
accepted).
Funding authority
Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. At any one time, CRP can enrol no
more than: 24 mil ion acres in FY2019; 24.5 mil ion acres in FY2020; 25 mil ion acres in
FY2021; 25.5 mil ion acres in FY2022; and 27 mil ion acres in FY2023. No funding amount
specified.
FY2020 est.
$1.9 bil ion (based on the estimated number of acres that wil be enrol ed, including
funding
technical assistance).
FY2021 est.
$2.0 bil ion (based on the estimated number of acres that wil be enrol ed, including
Administration
technical assistance).
request
Statutory
Authorized in Â§Â§1231-1235 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended.
authority
Amended in Â§Â§2201-2209 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16
U.S.C. Â§Â§3831-3835.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-
reserve-program/
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CRPâ€”Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
Administering
FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
This subprogram of CRP partners with states and nonprofit organizations at their request.
description
Partners propose areas, such as a watershed, where environmental or resource concerns
are more concentrated and can be addressed by enrol ing eligible acres into CRP. Partners
contribute a portion of the project funding to allow for larger payments, in order to
encourage greater participation. Average rental payments are higher than for acreage
under the general CRP sign-up process. Sign-up is held on a continuous basis.
Major 2018 farm
Codified CREP as a subprogram of CRP similar to the original version of CREP that was in
bill amendments
effect at the time of enactment. Existing CREP agreements were allowed to remain in force
but may be modified if mutually agreed upon. Agreements with partners were formalized,
including matching fund contributions and sources. Additional requirements for select cost-
share payments, incentive payments, and maintenance payments were also included.
Specific requirements were included related to grazing, forested riparian buffers, and
drought and water conservation agreements.
National scope
There are over 40 CREP agreements in 32 states, including 55,246 contracts on 37,581
farms, enrol ing a total of 927,140 acres, as of May 2020.
Leading states
Leading states by number of acres enrol ed are OH (119,974), PA (110,410), and SD
(79,445). States leading in number of contracts are OH (15,735), PA (7,087), and MD
(4,317).
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding authority Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. Limited overall by the total CRP
acreage enrol ment cap (see â€œConservation Reserve Program (CRP)â€) but included in the
minimum enrol ment targets for all continuous contracts: 8 mil ion acres by FY2019; 8.25
mil ion acres by FY2020; 8.5 mil ion acres by FY2021; and 8.6 mil ion acres by FY2022 and
FY2023. No funding amount specified.
FY2020 funding
Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.
FY2021
Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in Â§2202 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) as Â§1231A
authority
of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. 16 U.S.C. Â§3831a.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-
reserve-enhancement/index
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CRPâ€”CLEAR30
Administering
FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
This pilot program of the CRP enrol s expiring CRP acres with select water quality
description
practices in 30-year contracts. CLEAR refers to a separate but related initiative called the
Clean Lakes, Estuaries, and Rivers initiative, which prioritizes select water quality practices
for continuous CRP contracts that reduce sediment and nutrient loading and harmful algal
blooms. Eligible CLEAR30 practices include grass waterway, contour grass strip, prairie
strip, filter strip, riparian buffer, wetland restoration practice, and other similar water
quality practices. Expiring continuous CRP contracts with eligible practices may enrol in
CLEAR30 during the last year of the contract. Participants receive 30 annual rental
payments, similar to those calculated under general CRP, with a possible rental rate
enhancement payment. Land is maintained in accordance with an approved conservation
plan, and compatible economic uses are allowed if included in the conservation plan (e.g.,
hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or periodic haying or grazing).
Major 2018 farm
Created in the 2018 farm bil .
bill amendments
National scope
Not available nationwide. Only land within states located in Great Lakes and Chesapeake
Bay priority areas (DE, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, and WI) are eligible.
The first sign-up began July 6, 2020, and closes August 21, 2020.
Leading states
Not available.
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding authority Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. Limited overall by the total CRP
acreage enrol ment cap (see â€œConservation Reserve Program (CRP)â€).
FY2020 funding
Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.
FY2021
Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in subtitle B of Title II (Â§2004(a)) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
authority
(P.L. 115-334) as Â§1231C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. 16
U.S.C. Â§3831c(a).
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/crp-clear30-pilot.pdf
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CRPâ€”Farmable Wetland Program
Administering
FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
This 750,000-acre subprogram of the CRP enrol s small isolated agricultural wetlands. On a
description
single tract of land, enrol ment is set at a maximum of 40 contiguous wetland acres.
â€œFlooded farmlandâ€ has a 20-acre limit. Eligible lands include wetlands that were cropped in
three of the preceding ten years (and include buffers sufficient to protect them), on which
the hydrology wil be restored and a vegetative cover established. Sign-up is held on a
continuous basis.
Major 2018 farm
Reauthorized the program through FY2023.
bill amendments
National scope
Active contracts in 22 participating states: AL, AR, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, MN, MS,
MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, OH, OK, SD, WA, and WI. As of May 2020, there were 14,811
contracts on 11,444 farms for a total of 391,508 enrol ed acres.
Leading states
Leading states by acres enrol ed are ND (134,553), SD (97,687), and IA (93,964). The
largest number of contracts are in IA (5,003), fol owed by SD (3,912) and ND (2,837).
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding authority Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. No more than 750,000 acres may
be enrol ed at any one time and no more than 100,000 acres in any state (may be increased
to 200,000 acres after agency review).
FY2020 funding
Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.
FY2021
Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in Title XI of Agriculture and Related Agency appropriations, 2001 (P.L. 106-
authority
387) as Â§1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in
Â§2203 of the Agriculture Improvement Act 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. Â§3831b.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/farmable-wetlands/
index
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link to page 11 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

CRPâ€”Grasslands
Administering
FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
This subprogram of the CRP enrol s grasslandâ€”including rangeland, pastureland, and
description
certain other landsâ€”while maintaining the area as grazing. Contracts are for 14 and 15
years. Rental payments are limited to 75% of the contracted landâ€™s grazing value. Small
livestock operations are considered in a separate ranking pool during enrol ment. Expiring
CRP acres have priority for enrol ment. Enrol ment is subject to a competitive offer
process similar to the CRP general sign-up.
Major 2018 farm
Reauthorized and increased the enrol ment limit to not less than 2 mil ion acres by
bill amendments
FY2021. Prioritized enrol ment of expiring CRP land, land at risk of development, or land
of ecological significance.
National scope
Active contracts exist in all but 10 statesâ€”AK, CT, DE, HI, ME, MA, NV, NH, RI, and VT.
As of May 2020, there were 3,321 active contracts on 2,075 farms with 919,127 acres
enrol ed. FY2020 CRP Grasslands sign-up (#202) opened March 16, 2020, and closed May
15, 2020.
Leading states
Leading states by acres enrol ed are NE (333,513), SD (135,584), and NM (94,400). The
largest number of contracts are in NE (990), fol owed by SD (501), MT (187), and CO
(187).
Backlog/Interest
The most recent CRP Grasslands sign-up was held in FY2020 (#201). During sign-up #201,
68% of acres offered for enrol ment were accepted (1.9 mil ion acres offered and 1.3
mil ion acres accepted).
Funding authority Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. Overall limited by the total CRP
acreage enrol ment cap (see â€œConservation Reserve Program (CRP)â€) but required to
maintain a minimum enrol ment of grassland contracts of 1.0 mil ion acres in FY2019; 1.5
mil ion acres in FY2020; and 2.0 mil ion acres in FY2021-FY2023. Unenrol ed grassland
acres may not be used to enrol other types of CRP contracts. No funding amount
specified.
FY2020 funding
Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.
FY2021
Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in subtitle A of Title II (Â§2001 et seq.) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-
authority
79) as Â§1231 et seq. of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended
in Â§2201 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. Â§3831 et
seq.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/crp-grasslands/
index
Congressional Research Service
12

Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

CRPâ€”Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP)
Administering
FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
This pilot program of the CRP enrol s less-productive farmland in three- to five-year
description
contracts to plant low-cost perennial vegetative cover in exchange for annual rental
payments. Eligible land is limited to the Prairie Pothole region. Land must have a cropping
history of three years prior to enrol ment (not including CRP enrol ment) and be less
productive than other land on the farm. No more than 15% of a farm may be enrol ed and
no more than 50,000 acres of the CRP may be used for the pilot. Participants are required
to plant low-cost, perennial, conserving-use vegetative cover at the participantâ€™s expense.
In return the participant would receive an annual rental payment that is 50% of the general
CRP annual rental payment, or up to 75% for beginning, limited-resource, socially
disadvantaged or veteran participants. Contracts may be terminated early if considered
necessary by FSA or if the participant agrees to pay back the annual rental payments.
Harvesting, haying, and grazing are allowed outside of the local nesting and brood-rearing
period, subject to additional conditions.
Major 2018 farm
Created in the 2018 farm bil .
bill amendments
National scope
Not available nationwide. Only land within states located in the Prairie Pothole region (IA,
MN, MT, ND, and SD) are eligible. The first sign-up began March 30, 2020, and closes
August 21, 2020.
Leading states
Not available.
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding authority Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. No more than 50,000 acres may be
enrol ed. No funding amount specified.
FY2020 funding
Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.
FY2021
Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in subtitle B of Title II (Â§2004(b)) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
authority
(P.L. 115-334) as Â§1231C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. 16
U.S.C. Â§3831c(b).
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/fsa-shipp-
factsheet.pdf
Congressional Research Service
13

Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Administering
NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
CSP provides financial and technical assistance to producers to maintain and improve
description
existing conservation systems and to adopt additional conservation activities in a
comprehensive manner on a producerâ€™s entire operation. CSP contracts must meet or
exceed a stewardship threshold for at least two priority resource concerns at the time of
application and meet or exceed at least one additional priority resource concern by the
end of the contract. Contracts are for five years with the option of a competitive renewal.
CSP provides two possible payments: (1) an annual payment for installing new conservation
activities and maintaining existing activities and (2) a supplemental payment for adopting a
resource-conserving crop rotation, advanced grazing management, and comprehensive
conservation plan development. Enrol ment is offered through a continuous sign-up and
applications are accepted year-round.
Major 2018 farm
Reauthorized the program but amended how the program limits future enrol ment. CSP is
bill amendments
shifted from a program limited by acres (10 mil ion acres annually under prior law;
approximately $1.4 bil ion in FY2018) to one limited by total funding ($700 mil ion in
FY2019 in mandatory funding, increasing to $1 bil ion in FY2023). CSPâ€™s ranking criteria
were amended to focus on an applicationâ€™s actual and expected increase of conservation
benefits and to add a cost-competitive selection criterion for similar applications.
Additionally, payments for adopting cover crops, grazing management, and comprehensive
conservation plan development were amended to include higher and more comprehensive
payment options.
National scope
Available nationwide. In FY2019, CSP provided over $460.4 mil ion in financial assistance
for new enrol ments, used to treat over 6.3 mil ion acres.
Leading states
In FY2019, SD had the most acres enrol ed (674,890), fol owed by NE (467,707) and MT
(380,551). The highest funding level obligated for FY2019 enrol ment was in MS ($49.6
mil ion), SD ($27.6 mil ion), and NE ($22.1 mil ion). The highest total funding obligated for
all CSP contracts in FY2019 was in MS ($100.5 mil ion), NE ($84.8 mil ion), and TX ($81.2
mil ion).
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding authority Mandatory and subject to sequestration. FY2019â€”$700 mil ion; FY2020â€”$725 mil ion;
FY2021â€”$750 mil ion; FY2022â€”$800 mil ion; and FY2023â€”$1 bil ion. Funding for CSP
contracts enrol ed prior to the 2018 farm bil is provided through mandatory sources using
such sums as necessary.
FY2020 est.
$2.4 bil ion total, including $1.7 bil ion for contracts enrol ed prior to the 2018 farm bil
funding
and $676.2 mil ion for contracts enrol ed under the 2018 farm bil (authorization reduced
by sequestration and a transfer to the Farm Production and Conservation Business
Center).
FY2021
Proposes to eliminate the Conservation Stewardship Program and transfer $21.2 mil ion to
Administration
the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center in FY2021.
request
Statutory
Authorized in Â§2301 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) as
authority
Â§Â§1240I-1240L-1 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in
Â§Â§2301 and 2308 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C.
Â§Â§3839aa-21-3839aa-25.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp
Congressional Research Service
14

Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

CSPâ€”Grassland Conservation Initiative (GCI)
Administering
NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
While within CSP, the GCI has separate requirements from other CSP contracts. Under a
description
GCI contract, the producer must meet or exceed the stewardship threshold for at least
one priority resource concern. Contracts are limited to five years, with no renewal, but a
producer can terminate a contract at any time with no repayment penalty. Payments are
limited to $18 per acre and are not subject to the CSP payment limit. Land retains its base
acre history while enrol ed, but the calculation of payments may not exceed the number of
base acres on a farm. Eligible land is limited to cropland for which base acres have been
maintained under FSAâ€™s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC)
and was planted to grass or pasture, including idle or fallow land, during a specific period.
Major 2018 farm
Created in the 2018 farm bil .
bill amendments
National scope
Available nationwide. In FY2019, GCI obligated over $76.1 mil ion in financial assistance for
new enrol ments, used to treat over 849,000 acres.
Leading states
In FY2019, TX had the most total acres enrol ed (356,251), fol owed by OK (138,113) and
LA (40,998). The most funding obligated for FY2019 enrol ment was in TX ($32 mil ion),
OK ($12.5 mil ion), and LA ($3.7 mil ion).
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding authority Unspecified subset of CSP.
FY2020 funding
Unspecified subset of CSP.
FY2021
Proposes to eliminate CSP, including GCI.
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in Â§2309 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) as
authority
Â§1240L-1 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. 16 U.S.C. Â§3839aa-
25.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp/
Congressional Research Service
15

Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)
Administering
FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
ECP provides emergency funding and technical assistance to producers to rehabilitate
description
farmland damaged by natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires)
through activities such as removing debris, restoring fences and conservation structures,
and implementing emergency water conservation measures in response to severe
droughts.
Major 2018 farm
Added a new provision allowing producers the option of accepting a reduced payment for
bill amendments
repairing or replacing fencing rather than receiving a higher payment fol owing the
completion and inspection of the practice. Advanced payments for fencing cannot exceed
25% of the total payment (based on cost) and must be expended after 60 days or be
returned. Added a payment limitation of $500,000 per producer.
National scope
Available nationwide. Participation and funding varies from year to year.
Leading states
Not applicable.
Backlog/Interest
Not applicable.
Funding authority Discretionary. No specific authorization level.
FY2020 funding
$0
to date
FY2021
$0
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in Â§401 of the Agriculture Credit Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-334), as amended.
authority
Amended in Â§2403 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C.
Â§Â§2201-2205.
Authorization
Permanent authorization.
expires
Program website
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/emergency-
conservation/index
Congressional Research Service
16

Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP)
Administering
FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
EFRP provides cost-share assistance to private forestland owners to repair and rehabilitate
description
damage caused by a natural disaster on nonindustrial private forest land. Natural disasters
include wildfires, hurricanes or excessive winds, drought, ice storms or blizzards, floods, or
other resource-impacting events, as determined by USDA.
Major 2018 farm
None.
bill amendments
National scope
Available nationwide. Participation and funding varies from year to year.
Leading states
Not applicable.
Backlog/Interest
Not applicable.
Funding authority Discretionary. No specific authorization level.
FY2020 funding
$0
to date
FY2021
$0
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in Â§8203 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) as
authority
Â§407 of the Agriculture Credit Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-334). 16 U.S.C. Â§2206.
Authorization
Permanent authorization.
expires
Program website
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-
forest-restoration/index
Congressional Research Service
17

Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP)
Administering
NRCS on private lands and U.S. Forest Service on National Forest Systems lands.
agency(s)
Program
EWP provides technical and financial assistance to reduce hazards to life and property in
description
watersheds that have been damaged by natural disasters. Assistance includes disaster
cleanup and recovery activities, and purchasing easements in floodplains that wil benefit
natural resources such as wetlands, while reducing the risk of exposure to future natural
disasters.
Major 2018 farm
Amended funding authority to include a set-aside of 25% of all available funding to repair
bill amendments
and replace fencing.
National scope
Available nationwide. Participation and funding varies from year to year.
Leading states
Not applicable.
Backlog/Interest
Not applicable.
Funding authority Discretionary. No specific authorization level.
FY2020 funding
$0
to date
FY2021
$0
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in Â§216 of P.L. 81-516 and Â§403 of the Agriculture Credit Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-
authority
334), as amended. Amended in Â§2403 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L.
115-334). 16 U.S.C. Â§2203; and 33 U.S.C. Â§701b-1.
Authorization
Permanent authorization.
expires
Program website
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/ewpp
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18

link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 24 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Administering
NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to producers and landowners to plan and
description
install structural, vegetative, and land management practices on eligible lands to alleviate
natural resource problems. Eligible producers enter into contracts to receive payment for
implementing conservation practices. Approved activities are carried out according to an
EQIP plan developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate
conservation practice(s) to address specific land resource concerns. Fifty percent of the
funds are targeted to conservation practices benefiting livestock and 10 percent are
targeted to practices benefiting wildlife.
Major 2018 farm
Reauthorized the program and made a number of amendments focused on practices
bill amendments
related water quality and quantity, soil health improvement, and wildlife habitat
improvement. The allocation of funding for livestock and wildlife was amended by
increasing wildlife allocations from 5% to 10% and reducing livestock allocations from 60%
to 50%. Payment limits for conservation practices related to organic production were
increased to an aggregate of $120,000 between FY2019 and FY2023. Water conservation
system payments were expanded to include irrigation and drainage entities with limitations.
A new Conservation Incentive Contract was established to provide annual payments based
on the adoption, installation, management, and maintenance of conservation practices that
address priority resource concerns in select geographic regions. Payment limits or a
specific percentage of EQIP funds to be used for incentive contracts was not included.
Conservation Innovation Grants were reauthorized and expanded to include community
col eges, on-farm innovation, and soil health trials (see â€œEQIPâ€”Conservation Innovation
Grants (CIG)â€ and â€œEQIP, CIGâ€”On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trialsâ€).
National scope
Available nationwide. In FY2019, EQIP obligated over $1.5 bil ion across 41,471 contracts
covering 13 mil ion acres.
Leading states
In FY2019, the top three states by active and completed contracts were TX (3,911), MS
(2,520), and AL (1,733). Obligated funding was highest in TX ($136.3 mil ion), CA ($116.8
mil ion), and MS ($62.4 mil ion).
Backlog/Interest
In FY2019, 41,471 applications were funded (27.7%) of the 149,574 applications received.
49,443 applications were determined to be valid, but unfunded. The highest numbers of
unfunded applications were submitted in AR (6,208), MS (6,234), and GA (3,417).The total
estimated cost of these unfunded valid applications was $1.5 bil ion. States with the highest
estimated unfunded application totals were AR ($224.4 mil ion), MS ($118.8 mil ion), and
MO ($92.7 mil ion).
Funding authority Mandatory and subject to sequestration. FY2019â€”$1.75 bil ion, FY2020â€”$1.75 bil ion,
FY2021â€”$1.8 bil ion, FY2022â€”$1.85 bil ion, and FY2023â€”$2.025 bil ion.
FY2020 funding
$1.6 bil ion (authorized $1.75 bil ion reduced by sequestration and a transfer to the Farm
Production and Conservation Business Center).
FY2021
$1.8 bil ion (authorization to be reduced by an unknown amount of sequestration).
Administration
Requests a transfer of $30.7 mil ion to the Farm Production and Conservation Business
request
Center in FY2021.
Statutory
Authorized in subtitle D of Title III (Â§Â§331-336) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement
authority
and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-127) as Â§Â§1240-1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985
(P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in Â§Â§2302-2306 of the Agriculture Improvement Act
of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. Â§Â§3839aa-3839aa-7.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip
Congressional Research Service
19

link to page 24 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

EQIPâ€”Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)
Administering
NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
CIG is a subprogram of EQIP that awards competitive grants to state and local agencies,
description
nongovernmental organizations, tribes, and individuals to implement innovative
conservation techniques and practices. Annual requests for proposals are posted on
http://www.grants.gov and include separate funding categories for national and state level
competitions. Grantees must provide a one-to-one match to grant funding. Examples of
eligible projects include market systems for pol ution reduction, demonstrating precision
agriculture, capturing nutrients through a community anaerobic digester, and establishing a
tribal partnership for regional habitat conservation.
Major 2018 farm
Community col eges were added to the list of eligible EQIP producers that may be
bill amendments
included in a project. The list of eligible projects was expanded to include urban agriculture
and edge-of-field monitoring. The air quality funding carve-out was reauthorized and
expanded from $25 mil ion to $37 mil ion annually. Up to $25 mil ion annually of EQIP
funds for FY2019-FY2023 are required to be used for an on-farm conservation innovation
trial to test new or innovative conservation approaches either directly with producers or
with eligible entities. A soil health demonstration trial is required to be carried out under
the on-farm conservation trial that provides financial assistance for soil health and carbon-
related practices (â€œEQIP, CIGâ€”On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trialsâ€).
National scope
Available nationwide with selected states offering state competitions. In FY2020, CIG
announced up to $15 mil ion available for projects. Priorities for FY2020 include water
reuse, water quantity, air quality, energy, and wildlife habitat. CIG funding since 2004, when
the program began, totals over $300 mil ion though FY2020 and has funded over 700
projects. Applications for FY2020 funding closed June 29, 2020.
Leading states
None identified.
Backlog/Interest
None identified.
Funding authority Unspecified subset of EQIP.
FY2020 funding
Unspecified subset of EQIP.
FY2021
Unspecified subset of EQIP.
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in Â§2301 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171)
authority
as Â§1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in Â§2308
of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. Â§3839aa-8.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/cig
Congressional Research Service
20

Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

EQIP, CIGâ€”On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials
Administering
NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials is a subprogram of CIG, which is a subprogram
description
of EQIP. Funding is provided to partners, who provide incentive payments and technical
assistance to producers to offset the risk of adopting innovative conservation practices.
Producers must meet the EQIP eligibility criteria. Partners must evaluate and report on
the environmental and economic impact of adopted conservation practices. Annual
requests for proposals are posted on http://www.grants.gov and include a Soil Health
Demonstration Trial component. The Soil Health Demonstration Trial component
focuses exclusively on soil health practices that minimize disturbance, maximize soil cover,
maximize biodiversity, and maximize the presence of living roots. Partners under the Soil
Health Demonstration Trial agree to fol ow NRCS soil health assessment protocols when
evaluating practices.
Major 2018 farm
Created in the 2018 farm bil .
bill amendments
National scope
Available nationwide. In FY2020, NRCS announced up to $25 mil ion available for On-
Farm Conservation Innovation Trial projects, including $10 mil ion for Soil Health
Demonstration Trials. The maximum amount for a single award was limited to $5 mil ion.
Priorities for FY2020 include irrigation management, precision agriculture, and
management technologies and strategies. Applications for FY2020 closed May 29, 2020.
Leading states
In FY2019, $24.3 mil ion was awarded to 16 projects, including nine Soil Health
Demonstration Trial projects totaling $13.6 mil ion. States with awarded projects include
AL, CA, CO, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MD, MI, NE, NM, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, UT, VT,
and WI.
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding authority
Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $25 mil ion annually of total EQIP funding.
FY2020 funding
$25 mil ion, including $10 mil ion for the Soil Health Demonstration Trial.
FY20201
$25 mil ion of total EQIP funding.
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in Â§2307 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) as
authority
Â§1240H(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. 16 U.S.C. Â§3839aa-
8(c).
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/cig/?cid=
nrcseprd1459039
Congressional Research Service
21

Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program
Administering
NRCS and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
agency(s)
Program
NRCS and APHIS coordinate the pilot through three components: (1) feral swine removal
description
by APHIS, (2) restoration efforts supported by NRCS, and (3) assistance to producers for
feral swine control provided through partnership agreements with non-federal partners.
Projects can be one to three years in duration. Pilot areas are limited to states where feral
swine have been identified as a threat. Cost-share assistance is limited to 75% of the cost
of eradication and control measures or restoration. Total funding is split between NRCS
and APHIS, with no more than 10% for administrative expenses.
Major 2018 farm
Created in the 2018 farm bil .
bill amendments
National scope
Not available nationwide. Available in select project areas of AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC,
OK, SC, and TX. In FY2019, USDA announced $33.75 mil ion for partnership efforts in 20
project areas in 10 states. The maximum amount for a single award is limited to $1.5
mil ion and requires a 25% match by the partner. Eligible activities under a partnership
agreement may include outreach, training, equipment, and operation of feral swine training
that are consistent with APHIS technical standards.
Leading states
Not available.
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding authority
Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $75 mil ion total for FY2019-FY2023.
FY2020 funding
$70 mil ion, including $35 mil ion for conservation (authorization reduced by
sequestration).
FY2021
$0
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in Â§2408 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 7 U.S.C.
authority
Â§8351.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/farmbil /?cid=
NRCSEPRD1461219
Congressional Research Service
22

Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Grassroots Source Water Protection Program
Administering
FSA.
agency(s)
Program
Grassroots Source Water Protection Program provides funding to the National Rural
description
Water Association for technical assistance to operate state source water protection
programs. Local programs encourage the voluntary adoption of practices that prevent
drinking water pol ution.
Major 2018 farm
Reauthorized discretionary funding authority and authorized $5 mil ion in mandatory
bill amendments
funding to remain available until expended.
National scope
The program is active in all 50 states. In FY2019, 171 source water plans were complete
with management activities implemented in the source water areas. These water plans
provide protection measures for 618 public drinking water sources (579 wells and 37
surface water intakes).
Leading states
Annual appropriations are divided equally among all states.
Backlog/Interest
None identified.
Funding authority
Mandatory and subject to sequestration: FY2019â€”$5 mil ion (to remain available until
expended). Discretionary: $20 mil ion annually.
FY2020 funding
Mandatory: $4.7 mil ion (authorized $5 mil ion is reduced by sequestration). Discretionary:
$6.5 mil ion.
FY2021
Mandatory: $0. Discretionary: $0.
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in Â§2502 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171)
authority
as Â§1240O of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in Â§2405
of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. Â§3839bb-2.
Authorization
September, 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/source-water-
protection/index
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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP)
Administering
NRCS
agency(s)
Program
HFRP assists landowners in restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems using 10-year
description
agreements, 30-year contracts, 30-year easements, and permanent easements.
Major 2018 farm
HFRP is reauthorized through FY2023, subject to appropriations. Expanded the purposes,
bill amendments
eligibility requirements, and enrol ment priorities of the program to include species
recovery and habitat conservation considerations. Authorized federally recognized Indian
tribes to sell permanent easements on lands they own in fee simple. Specified that
restoration plans may include a variety of land management practices if necessary to
achieve habitat restoration objectives.
National scope
Not available nationwide. Limited participation in selected states. As of the end of FY2019,
102 agreements covering 675,535 acres have been enrol ed in the program.
Leading states
Not applicable.
Backlog/Interest
Not applicable.
Funding authority Discretionary. $12 mil ion annually.
FY2020 funding
$0
FY2021
$0
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in Title V Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-148), as amended.
authority
Amended in Â§8407 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C.
Â§Â§6571-6578.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/forests
Congressional Research Service
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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)
Administering
NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
RCPP provides financial and technical assistance for state, multistate or watershed-scale
description
projects. The program creates partnership opportunities to target and leverage federal
conservation funding for specific areas and resource concerns. Project areas are defined by
eligible partners and are selected through a national competition. Partnership agreements
are for five years, with a possible five-year renewal or a one-year extension. In addition to
defining the project area, providing assistance, and possibly acting on behalf of the
producers within the project area, partners must also provide a â€œsignificant portionâ€ of the
overall cost of the project, which can be provided through direct funding, in-kind, or a
combination thereof. One-half of the available funding is directed to â€œcritical conservation
areasâ€ (CCA), which include the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Great Lakes Region,
Mississippi River Basin, Colorado River Basin, Longleaf Pine Range, Western Waters,
Prairie Grasslands Region, and Northeast Forests and Waters. The remaining one-half of
the funding is provided to state and multistate projects.
Major 2018 farm
Reauthorized and amended the program by shifting away from enrol ing land through
bill amendments
existing conservation programs to a stand-alone program with its own contracts. Expanded
the scope of eligible activities and granted more flexibility to partners. Funding was
increased from $100 mil ion annually to $300 mil ion annually for FY2019-FY2023.
National scope
To be eligible for an RCPP contract, a producer must be located in either a CCA or a
selected partnership area, but is not required to work with the sponsoring project partner
and may choose to work directly with NRCS. Partnership applications are accepted in two
funding announcements: Classic and Alternative Funding Arrangement (AFA). In FY2019, 48
projects from the Classic funding announcement were selected totaling $206 mil ion in
federal spending with close to $300 mil ion in partner contributions. Applications for the
FY2020 Classic announcement close November 4, 2020. The first AFA announcement was
made in FY2020 and closed May 18, 2020.
Leading states
Fol owing the final selection in the FY2019 Classic funding announcement, the two funding
pools (state/multistate and CCA) that received the most federal investment were:
state/multistateâ€”23 projects total (MA, Cranberry Bog Conservation and Habitat
Restorationâ€”$10 mil ion), and CCAâ€”25 projects total (Colorado River Basinâ€”$33.2
mil ion total).
Backlog/Interest
Between FY2014 and FY2018, 33% of proposals submitted were selected for a project.
Funding
Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $300 mil ion annually for FY2019-FY2023.
authority
FY2020 funding
$282 mil ion (authorized $300 mil ion is reduced by sequestration).
FY2021
$300 mil ion (authorization to be reduced by an unknown amount of sequestration).
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in subtitle E of Title II (Â§2401) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79) as
authority
Â§1271 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in Â§Â§2701-
2707 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. Â§Â§3871-3871f.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/rcpp/
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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program
Administering
NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program encourages owners and
description
operators of privately held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily make that land
available for access by the public for wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting or
fishing, under programs implemented by state or tribal governments. Competitive grants
are offered to states and tribal governments for expanding existing access programs or
creating new programs. Projects last up to three years, and no award is more than $3
mil ion. Up to 25% of funds may be used to restore, enhance, or create wildlife habitat.
Grants are reduced by 25% if opening dates for migratory bird hunting in a state are not
consistent for residents and nonresidents.
Major 2018 farm
Priority for funding under the program is amended to include wildlife habitat improvement
bill amendments
efforts on CREP acres and wetland reserve easements under ACEP. Reauthorized $50
mil ion in mandatory funding for FY2019-FY2023. Added a $3 mil ion set-aside to
encourage public access on land covered by wetland reserve easements under ACEP.
National scope
Available nationwide. In March 2020, $49 mil ion was awarded to 27 recipients in 27
states.
Leading states
Of the March 2020 selected proposals, states receiving the most funding were NE and OK
($3 mil ion each), and VA ($2.9 mil ion).
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding authority
Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $50 mil ion total for FY2019-FY2023.
FY2020 funding
$47 mil ion (authorized $50 mil ion is reduced by sequestration).
FY20201
$0
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in Title II, Â§2606 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-
authority
246) as Â§1240R of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in
Â§2406 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. Â§3839bb-5.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/farmbil /?cid=
stelprdb1242739
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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Water Bank Program
Administering
NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
The Water Bank Program offers 10-year, nonrenewable rental agreements to landowners
description
to maintain wetlands in lieu of draining the land for agricultural production. No financial
assistance is offered for conservation practices. Applications are ranked based on land use
type and flooding impact. Payment rates are as fol ows: $50/acre/year for cropland,
$35/acre/year for pasture and range land (grazing lands), and $20/acre/year for forestland.
The program was authorized in 1970 and operated until funding was eliminated in 1994 in
favor of longer-term conservation programs. After 17 years without funding, the program
was appropriated $7.5 mil ion in FY2012. These funds were obligated exclusively for
agreements in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota and were focused on flood
reduction efforts.
Major 2018 farm
None.
bill amendments
National scope
Not available nationwide. Only landowners in MN, ND, and SD are eligible. In FY2019, $3.3
mil ion was obligated to 83 agreements covering 8,437 acres.
Leading states
In FY2019, eligible states receiving the most funding were ND ($2.8 mil ion), SD ($379,000),
and MN ($231,000).
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding
Discretionary. No specific authorization level.
authority
FY2020 funding
$4 mil ion.
FY2021
$0
Administration
request
Statutory
Authorized in the Water Bank Act (P.L. 91-559), as amended. 16 U.S.C. Â§Â§1301-1311.
authority
Authorization
Permanent authorization.
expires
Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/?&cid=
stelprdb1047790
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Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations
Administering
NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
Also referred to as the Small Watershed Program, the Watershed and Flood Prevention
description
Operations (WFPO) program consists of projects built under two authoritiesâ€”the
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act of 1954 (P.L. 83-566) and the Flood
Control Act of 1944 (P.L. 78-534). The vast majority of the projects have been built
pursuant to the authority of P.L. 83-566 (referred to as P.L. 566 projects), under which
smaller projects authorized by the chief of the NRCS are constructed. Larger projects
must be approved by Congress. Eleven projects were specifically authorized under P.L. 78-
534 (referred to as P.L. 534 projects); they are much larger and more expensive than P.L.
566 projects.
Under P.L. 566 projects, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to state and local
organizations to plan and install measures to prevent erosion, sedimentation, and flood
damage and to conserve, develop, and utilize land and water resources. The project costs
are shared with local partners. No project may exceed 250,000 acres,* and no structure
may exceed more than 12,500 acre-feet of floodwater detention capacity, or 25,000 acre-
feet of total capacity. The Senate and House Agriculture Committees must approve
projects that need an estimated federal contribution of more than $25 mil ion for
construction or include a storage structure with a capacity in excess of 2,500 acre-feet. If
the storage structure wil have a capacity in excess of 4,000 acre-feet, approval is also
required from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
*The 250,000-acre limitation applies only to activities undertaken for the primary purpose
of flood prevention in FY2020.
Major 2018 farm
Waived the watershed planning requirements when considered unnecessary or duplicative.
bill amendments
Added a new section permanently authorizing $50 mil ion annually in mandatory funding
beginning in FY2019 to be used for WFPO and the â€œWatershed Rehabilitation Program.â€
National scope
Available nationwide. There are over 2,100 active or completed P.L. 566 projects in 50
states and U.S. territories. In FY2019, funding was provided to 37 new projects, 18
authorized but unfunded projects, and 5 remedial projects in 19 states.
Leading states
States in which the most funding was obligated in FY2019 include TX ($195.4 mil ion), MS
($36.3 mil ion), and UT ($30.2 mil ion).
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding authority Mandatory and subject to sequestration: $50 mil ion annually (may also be used for the
â€œWatershed Rehabilitation Programâ€). Discretionary: no specific authorization level.
FY2020 funding
Mandatory: $47 mil ion (authorized $50 mil ion is reduced by sequestration, and an
unspecified portion may be used for â€œWatershed Rehabilitation Programâ€). Discretionary:
$175 mil ion, plus $5.6 mil ion in congressionally directed funds from Conservation
Operations.
FY2021
Mandatory: $50 mil ion (authorization to be reduced by an unknown amount of
Administration
sequestration, and an unspecified portion may be used for â€œWatershed Rehabilitation
request
Programâ€). Discretionary: $0.
Statutory
Authorized in the Flood Control Act of 1944 (P.L. 78-534), as amended, and the
authority
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (P.L. 83-566), as amended. Amended in
Â§2401 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 33 U.S.C. Â§701b-1 and
16 U.S.C. Â§1001 et. seq.
Authorization
Permanent authorization.
expires
Program website
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailful /national/programs/landscape/?&cid=
nrcs143_008271
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Watershed Rehabilitation Program
Administering
NRCS.
agency(s)
Program
The Watershed Rehabilitation Program provides technical and financial assistance for
description
planning, design, and implementation to rehabilitate aging watershed dam projects
(including upgrading or removing dams) in communities to address health and safety
concerns. Only dams constructed under the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations
program are eligible. Smal watershed project dams have a 50-year design life. As of the
end of 2019, 6,470 of these dams have reached or exceeded that time span. By the end of
2020, this number is expected to rise to 6,578.
Major 2018 farm
Reauthorized discretionary funding authority. Added a new section permanently
bill amendments
authorizing $50 mil ion annually in mandatory funding beginning in FY2019 to be used for
the Watershed Rehabilitation Program and â€œWatershed and Flood Prevention
Operations.â€
National scope
Only available for dams built through the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations
program and the Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program. A total of
355 dams have been funded for rehabilitation between FY2000 and FY2019. Of these, 248
dams in 25 states are authorized for rehabilitation, including 161 projects completed and
87 projects in progress (either in planning, design, or construction phase). The remaining
107 dams are in the planning phase awaiting funding. In FY2019, 117 assessments of high
hazard dams were conducted.
Leading states
States with the largest number of dam projects funded over the life of the program
(FY2000-FY2018) are OK (53), TX (36), UT (22), and MS (22). States in which the most
funding was obligated in FY2019 include TX ($11.1 mil ion), GA ($5.6 mil ion), and UT
($2.2 mil ion).
Backlog/Interest
Not available.
Funding authority Mandatory and subject to sequestration: $50 mil ion (may also be used for â€œWatershed and
Flood Prevention Operationsâ€). Discretionary: $85 mil ion annually for FY2008-FY2023.
FY2020 funding
Mandatory: $47 mil ion (authorized $50 mil ion is reduced by sequestration, and an
unspecified portion may be used for â€œWatershed and Flood Prevention Operationsâ€).
Discretionary: $10 mil ion.
FY2021
Mandatory: $50 mil ion (authorization to be reduced by an unknown amount of
Administration
sequestration and an unspecified portion may be used for â€œWatershed and Flood
request
Prevention Operationsâ€). Discretionary: $0.
Statutory
Authorized in Â§313 of the Grain Standards and Warehouse Improvement Act of 2000 (P.L.
authority
106-472) as Â§14 of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, as amended.
Amended in Â§2401 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C.
Â§1012.
Authorization
September 30, 2023.
expires
Program website
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/wr

Congressional Research Service
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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

Author Information

Megan Stubbs

Specialist in Agricultural Conservation and Natural
Resources Policy

Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRSâ€™s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in
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copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.

Congressional Research Service
R40763 Â· VERSION 42 Â· UPDATED
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