The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) in Florida has announced fiscal year (FY) 2026 (Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026) financial assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and forestry operations. The assistance is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
While NRCS accepts applications year-round, Florida producers and landowners should apply no later than Oct. 3 to be considered for funding in the FY2026 current cycle. If applications are received after the signup period for FY2026, applications will automatically be considered during future funding cycles.
Application cutoff periods allow NRCS to screen and rank applications for those with the highest conservation benefits across Florida’s landscapes, including cropland, grazing lands and private non-industrial forestlands. Contract obligations for the highest ranked applications are scheduled for the end of June 2026.
Through EQIP, NRCS provides agricultural producers with one-on-one help and financial assistance to plan and implement improvements, or what NRCS calls conservation practices. Together, NRCS and producers invest in solutions that conserve natural resources for the future while improving agricultural operations.
CSP offers opportunities for producers to expand on existing conservation efforts by applying new conservation practices, enhancements and bundles. These new activities will help enhance natural resources and improve the operation.
Applicants for both programs will need to provide information necessary to establish farm records and certifications outlined below:
- Farm records established or updated with the Farm Service Agency for the applicant and the land
- Be in compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements
- Meet the adjusted gross income and payment limitation provisions
- Applicable documentation required for signature authority
- Have control of land by ownership, lease or other agreement
- Written concurrence from the landowner to apply a structural or vegetative conservation practice
- Be in compliance with provisions for protecting the interests of tenants and sharecroppers
Applications are available at the local USDA Service Center or online on the Get Started with NRCS web page. NRCS has 33 field offices throughout Florida with teams ready to help landowners with conservation programs. Contact a local NRCS field office.
Download the EQIP fact sheet and CSP fact sheet (PDF) for more information.
Source: USDA NRCS