BISMARCK, N.D., Oct. 6, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in North Dakota is extending the Fiscal Year 2027 application batching period for several conservation programs to provide producers additional opportunities to apply for funding and conservation assistance.

The extended batching period applies to the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), which includes both Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) and Agricultural Land Easements (ALE).

"North Dakota producers continue to show strong interest in voluntary conservation programs that improve the productivity and resilience of their operations," said NRCS North Dakota Acting State Conservationist Jarvis Keney. "By extending the batching period, we are providing producers additional time to work with NRCS and submit applications that can help address resource concerns while strengthening their farming and ranching operations."

While NRCS accepts applications year-round, producers interested in being considered for Fiscal Year 2027 funding should submit applications by November 13, 2026.

Available programs include:

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and improve water quality, soil health, air quality, wildlife habitat, and overall land productivity.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

CSP helps agricultural producers build upon existing conservation efforts while maintaining and improving the operation's productivity and sustainability. Participants earn payments for implementing additional conservation activities and enhancing existing practices.

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) and Agricultural Land Easements (ALE)

The Agricultural Land Easement component of ACEP enables producers to protect their agricultural land from development by enrolling it in a permanent Agricultural Land Easement (ALE). The Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) component of ACEP helps landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses. 

NRCS conservation programs are voluntary and offer both technical expertise and financial assistance to help producers implement conservation solutions tailored to their operations.

Applications can be submitted through local USDA Service Centers. Producers are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible to discuss available conservation options and begin the application process.

For more information about EQIP, CSP, WRE, and other conservation programs available through NRCS, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center.

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