The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oregon is now accepting applications for conservation investments through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). 

While NRCS accepts applications year-round, interested agricultural producers in Oregon should apply by November 13, 2026 to be considered for fiscal year 2027 funding. Programs include: 

• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): 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. The Wetland Reserve Easement component of ACEP helps landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses. 
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): CSP helps producers build on existing conservation efforts while strengthening their operation. 
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): EQIP provides producers with the technical and financial resources they need to address resources concerns on their land including improved water and air quality, increased soil health, reduced soil erosion, improved natural vitality and more. For FY27 EQIP, NRCS Oregon is utilizing Act Now, an authority that streamlines the contract approval process, allowing qualifying applications to be approved and move forward without waiting for all applications to be ranked. Applications will be processed in the order received; active EQIP applications from previous funding cycles are already in the processing queue. Producers do not apply separately for Act Now. Eligible EQIP applications are automatically evaluated for Act Now consideration.

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, producers can apply to participate in a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project. The ranking date for RCPP applications will be announced at a later date. 

To learn more and apply, contact your local USDA Service Center.

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.