(TOLLAND, Conn., Oct 6, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to put Farmers First through a historic investment in conservation on agricultural lands through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a result of the conservation funding provided by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

While NRCS accepts applications year-round, interested agricultural producers in Connecticut should apply by November 30 to be considered for fiscal year 2027 funding. Programs include: 

• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP):  The Wetland Reserve Easement component of ACEP helps landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses. NRCS works with our partners on the Agricultural Land Easement component of ACEP which enables producers to protect their agricultural land from development by enrolling it in a permanent Agricultural Land Easement. 
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): CSP helps producers build on existing conservation efforts while strengthening their operation. 

NRCS provides financial assistance nationwide through the Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP), which enables producers to implement whole-farm regenerative practices. 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. 

For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat.  NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, technical advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.

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