Protecting the land today to feed the future tomorrow.
USDA conservation and sustainability programs are designed to help farmers, ranchers, and landowners improve soil health, protect water resources, preserve wildlife habitat, and strengthen climate resilience—without sacrificing productivity.
This section outlines key funding opportunities, technical support, and long-term conservation programs available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA). Whether you’re just starting out or working to expand your operation’s sustainability efforts, these programs can help you implement lasting, stewardship-minded practices on your land.
Explore the categories below to find programs that align with your goals.
1. Working Lands Programs
These programs support conservation practices on active agricultural lands.
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
- Provides financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices.
- Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
- Helps producers enhance existing conservation efforts and adopt new practices.
- Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)
- Assists producers in managing financial risk through conservation practices.
2. Easement Programs
These programs focus on long-term conservation through land easements.
- Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
- Protects and enhances wetlands, grasslands, and farmlands.
- Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE)
- Restores and protects wetlands on private and tribal lands.
- Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP)
- Enhances forest ecosystems and promotes biodiversity.
3. Innovative and Partnership Programs
Programs that encourage innovation and collaborative conservation efforts.
- Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)
- Funds innovative approaches to conservation challenges.
- Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)
- Promotes coordination between NRCS and partners to address regional conservation goals.
4. Land Retirement and Habitat Programs
Programs aimed at retiring land from agricultural production to improve environmental health.
- Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
- Encourages farmers to convert environmentally sensitive land to conservation uses.
- Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP)
- Provides incentives to landowners to open their land for public recreation.
5. Watershed and Landscape Initiatives
Focused on large-scale conservation efforts across watersheds and landscapes.
- Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI)
- Aims to improve water quality and restore wetlands in the Mississippi River Basin.
- Gulf of Mexico Initiative (GoMI)
- Targets conservation efforts to improve water quality in the Gulf region.
For a comprehensive overview of all NRCS programs and initiatives, visit the NRCS Programs & Initiatives page.
