The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the priorities, motto, mission and vision for its Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). USDA stated that the update reaffirms its commitment to putting farmers first.
“These updates complement NRCS’s historic role in providing practical, voluntary and locally led conservation solutions for producers,” USDA stated.
The new NRCS motto is Keeping Working Lands in Working Hands. Its mission statement is: We deliver practical, voluntary and locally led conservation solutions that help producers conserve natural resources, strengthen agricultural production and keep working lands productive for generations to come. The NRCS vision statement is: An America where working lands remain productive, resilient and in the hands of those who steward them.
NRCS is updating its strategic priorities to guide agency operations, program delivery, stakeholder engagement and modernization efforts through fiscal year 2026 and beyond. NRCS’s seven priorities are:
- Preserve and protect agricultural land.
- Shift to outcome-based conservation and farmer empowerment.
- Re-center field engagement and strengthen technical expertise.
- Expand wildlife conservation and outdoor access.
- Strengthen partnerships by streamlining processes and accountability.
- Optimize mission delivery by strengthening workforce culture.
- Modernize NRCS infrastructure and technology.
Each of the seven priorities has a goal and includes bullet points. For instance, the goal and bullet points under “Preserve and protect agricultural land” are:
Goal: Reduce the loss of productive working lands and safeguard the long-term viability of America’s agricultural landscapes.
- Expand targeted conservation easement programs to slow the loss of 5,000 acres of farmland per day.
- Partner with local governments and land trusts to prioritize farmland preservation.
- Advocate for policies that incentivize keeping land in agricultural production.
- Promote regenerative practices that strengthen soil health and ensure long-term productivity and profitability.
- Integrate whole farm planning into conservation efforts to provide comprehensive support to farmers.
Learn more about the NRCS priorities here.
Source: USDA NRCS
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