USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Seeks Landowners Interested in Conservation:

Project Name: 3692 - Midsouth Regional Conservation Partnership Program

JACKSON, Miss, September 29, 2026 - Farmers and landowners who are interested in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) that’s supporting ecosystem services that reduce synthetic inputs and improve water and soil quality, can apply for conservation assistance. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and its partners, aiming to increase yields and improve the financial viability of farm operations while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. In fiscal year 2027, RCPP with the Midsouth Regional Conservation Partnership Program serving as the lead partner, will provide financial assistance to farmers and landowners.

Mississippi USDA-NRCS State Conservationist Kurt Readus stated, "RCPP is a unique program that utilizes non-federal investments from conservation partners to accelerate conservation in selected project areas. This approach allows us to make the most of our collective resources to address locally identified concerns, specifically soil health."

RCPP project description and associated partners:

The Midsouth Regional Conservation Partnership Program proposal focuses on DeSoto County. The project seeks to improve ecosystem health by establishing diverse habitats along the edges of production sites throughout the county. These habitats will support ecosystem services that reduce the need for synthetic inputs while improving soil and water quality.

The project will promote biodiversity by providing natural pest control and supporting pollinators, thereby advancing sustainable agriculture. Encouraging producers to adopt conservation practices will strengthen farm resilience and demonstrate economic benefits, including increased yields, improved financial viability, and reduced reliance on synthetic inputs.

Desoto County 

How to Apply

To apply for RCPP, individuals and entities actively engaged in agricultural production are eligible to participate. Farmers and landowners are encouraged to sign up for USDA-NRCS conservation funding. Although NRCS accepts applications throughout the year, applications received after October 30th will be considered based on funding availability in subsequent cycles.

All eligible applications received by October 30, 2026, will be prioritized, evaluated, and ranked for funding in 2027. Farmers should contact their local USDA Service Center to get started on producer eligibility and planning. Applications ranking highest in a funding category will be funded first and is subject to availability of program funds. Farmers and landowners interested in receiving financial.

For more information about RCPP, visit the RCPP website.  

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.

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