PALMER, ALASKA – (October 5, 2026) – October marks the start of a new fiscal year and therefore a new application batching period for conservation assistance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

NRCS offers multiple financial assistance programs that can help agricultural producers address natural resource challenges on their property and keep their operations sustainable and productive. 

NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, and each fiscal year the agency establishes application batching deadlines. On those deadlines, all applications received up to that date are ranked and prioritized for funding. 

In Alaska, Fiscal Year 2027 application batching deadlines for all programs are November 13, 2026 and April 15, 2027. Priority funding will be given to applications submitted in the first batching period by November 13, 2026. 

These deadlines apply to the following programs:

• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Provides matching funds to protect farmland from non-ag development and keep working lands in agriculture for future generations; and options to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands that have been previously degraded due to agricultural use.
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Most commonly-used NRCS program, provides technical expertise and financial assistance to install a variety of conservation practices on working lands to address a variety of resource concerns (soil, water, air, plants, animals, energy). EQIP can enroll only a specific part of the operation to address a targeted issue.
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Provides annual payments for producers to maintain a baseline level of conservation, plus additional payments to adopt more conservation practices that achieve a higher level of environmental stewardship. CSP enrolls the entire operation and is a five-year contract.

NRCS is also providing additional financial assistance nationwide through the Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP), which enables producers to implement whole-farm regenerative practices through a single application for EQIP and CSP. RPP is part of USDA’s commitment to putting Farmers First and advancing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda by building a healthier, more resilient food system. 

Additionally, any landowners eligible for assistance through an active Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project are encouraged to apply by these batching deadlines. RCPP eligibility is geographically limited to specific RCPP projects in Alaska currently located in Hoonah, the Copper River Basin, and Tanana Valley. 

For more information and to apply, contact your local NRCS Field Office. Find your local field office on the USDA Service Center Locator or visit the NRCS Alaska website at www.nrcs.usda.gov/ak.