GAINESVILLE, Florida – September 21, 2026 –The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida announces Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) financial assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and forestry operations through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

While NRCS accepts applications year-round, Florida producers and landowners should apply no later than October 30, 2026, to be considered for funding in the FY2027 current cycle. If applications are received after the signup period for FY2027, applications will automatically be considered during future funding cycles.

Application cutoff periods allow NRCS to screen-and-rank applications for those with the highest conservation benefits across Florida’s landscapes, including cropland, grazing lands, and private non-industrial forestlands. Applications may be submitted in person at NRCS offices, by email, mail, phone, or through Farmers.gov.

EQIP helps agricultural producers and non industrial forest landowners plan and implement conservation practices that integrate conservation into working lands and improve environmental quality. It provides targeted, practice based solutions to address resource concerns, supporting structural, vegetative, and management improvements.

CSP builds on this foundation by supporting whole farm stewardship, helping producers maintain existing conservation systems and adopt additional long term enhancements across their entire operation to improve natural resources and overall agricultural performance.

For FY2027, Florida NRCS will implement practice‑specific payment caps under EQIP for the conservation practices listed below. These caps are established at the individual practice level and applied consistently across all contracts, including those for Historically Underserved (HU) participants, to support equitable and uniform delivery of financial assistance.
•    325 – High Tunnel System: $50,000 
•    400 – Bivalve Aquaculture Gear and Biofouling Control: $50,000
•    484 – Mulching: $50,000

Application Requirements for All Programs
•    Establish or update farm records with Farm Service Agency.
•    Engaged in or has a direct interest in the agricultural or forestry operation on the land offered for enrollment.
•    Comply with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements.
•    Meet adjusted gross income and payment limitation rules.
•    Provide documentation for signature authority.
•    Have control of the land (ownership, lease, or legal agreement).
•    Provide written landowner concurrence for structural or vegetative practices.
•    Comply with tenant and sharecropper protection provisions.

Applications are available at your local USDA Service Center or online on our Get Started with NRCS web page and will be accepted until October 30, 2026. 

NRCS has 33 field offices throughout Florida with teams ready to help landowners with conservation programs. Contact your local NRCS field office for more information.

NRCS has provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America's private landowners and managers conserve their soil, water, and other natural resources since 1935.

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Contact:  Amber Till, NRCS Florida, Assistant State Conservationist for Financial Assistance Programs, amber.till@usda.gov