In the case of Government programs, NCX's role is to help you prepare everything that will be needed for you to get started. For additional assistance personalized to you and your land, please request a call on your interested program listing to get connected to a forester who can assist further.
To get started on your own, here is a checklist to help you prepare.
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
The first thing you'll need to do is reach out to your local FSA office. Please plan on being prepared with the following after scheduling your in-person consultation at the local FSA office.
If this is your first visit, these documents are always useful to have handy:
- If this is your first visit, bring the following documents to register for a farm number:
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, social security card, IRS EIN number)
- Proof of Ownership (copy of recorded deed)
- Leases (if any)
- Entity Identification Status (articles of incorporation, trust & estate
documents, partnership agreement)
- If not completed in a previous visit, be prepared to complete these forms:
- Form AD 2047
- Highly Erodible Lands and Wetlands Provisions
- Average Adjusted Gross Income Certification and Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information
- Farm Operating Plan
- [if legal entity] Member’s Information Form
- [if applicable] Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource, and Beginning and Veteran Farmer or Rancher Certification
A few things to keep in mind about participation in a Farm Service Agency program:
- The FSA consultation process includes a site visit with a conservation planner.
- Landowners must pay upfront implementation costs with their own funds.
EQIP and CSP through Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
The first thing you'll need to do is reach out to your local NRCS office to schedule an in-person consultation. If you need some extra help, NCX can assist you in finding a local forester who can guide you through the application process; just request a call on any government program listing or the Find a forester listing to get started.
Please plan on being prepared with the following after scheduling your in-person consultation at the local NRCS office.
- If this is your first visit, bring the following documents to register for a farm number:
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, social security card, IRS EIN number)
- Proof of Ownership (copy of recorded deed)
- Leases (if any)
- Entity Identification Status (articles of incorporation, trust & estate
documents, partnership agreement)
- If not completed in a previous visit, be prepared to complete these forms:
- Form AD 2047
- Highly Erodible Lands and Wetlands Provisions
- Average Adjusted Gross Income Certification and Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information
- Farm Operating Plan
- [if legal entity] Member’s Information Form
- [if applicable] Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource, and Beginning and Veteran Farmer or Rancher Certification
- A land management plan is typically required to receive NRCS cost share funds, so be prepared to share your current management plan or your goals for the property.
Once the NRCS verifies your details, the consultation process continues with a site visit that you coordinate directly with the local office. If you've already filled out the applicable forms, you can apply for this program through your farmers.gov account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to get accepted and under contract?
NRCS and FSA typically accept landowners on a fixed recurring basis, such as annually, but some offer continuous enrollment depending on the state. Each state and county has slightly different criteria and timelines for accepting new applicants. Once accepted, the contracting process will begin, which takes a few months after being accepted.
How do I expedite the process?
Being prepared with clearly defined management goals and having a land management plan written for NRCS/FSA standards is a great help. Also, aligning your goals to your county or state's conservation goals can increase your priority compared to other applicants.
I have more questions. Where do I go?
NRCS and FSA local representatives are your best source of up to date information for your area. If you are having trouble, a forester or your local extension agent can also assist. NCX is here to assist to the best of our ability if you have any questions and can connect you to a forester in your area to assist with these programs. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at landowners@ncx.com. We're happy to help!