The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from agricultural producers and forest landowners from Idaho for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Agricultural producers and forest landowners looking to build on conservation efforts while strengthening their operation can apply for technical and financial assistance through CSP.
While USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts CSP applications year-round, Idaho producers and landowners should apply by June 24, 2022 to be considered for funding in the current cycle. 
State Technical Committees, composed of conservation and agricultural-related agency and organization representatives, work with NRCS to identify resource priorities and how best to address them. NRCS then sets state-specific, ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding that account for producer needs, staff workload and ensure potential participants have ample opportunities to apply. Find Idaho ranking dates for CSP and other conservation programs at www.nrcs.usda.gov/staterankingdates.
NRCS offers CSP in all 50 states and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous signups. The program provides many benefits, including increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to adverse weather. CSP is for working lands, including cropland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest land, associate agricultural land, farmstead and agricultural land under Indian tribe jurisdiction.
Additionally, existing CSP participants may have an opportunity to renew their contracts in the first half of the fifth year of their five-year contract through a competitive application process.
Special provisions are available for historically underserved producers, which include those considered beginning, socially disadvantaged and limited resource as well as military veterans. These producers are targeted funds.
Find eligible practices in Idaho here. Payment rates for conservation practices are reviewed and set each fiscal year for the state.
To apply for CSP, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center. Find your local Service Center at www.farmers.gov/service-locator. Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Because of the pandemic, some USDA Service Centers are open to limited visitors. Contact your Service Center to set up an in-person or phone appointment. On farmers.gov, you can create a secure account, apply for NRCS programs, electronically sign documents and manage your conservation contracts.