(Richmond, VA, August 27, 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.

“Virginia agriculture is incredibly diverse and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to conservation,” said NRCS Virginia State Conservationist Dr. Edwin Martinez Martinez. “Our job is to listen, bring the right technical expertise to the table and work alongside producers to find solutions that strengthen their operations while conserving the natural resources we all depend on.”

While NRCS accepts applications year-round, interested agricultural producers in Virginia should apply by October 30, 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. 

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 by October 30, 2026.

• RCPP 2462 - Virginia Headwaters Restoration Initiative (Trout Unlimited)
• RCPP 2381 - Preserving Working Farms and Securing Urban Ag (Capital Region Land Conservancy)

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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