The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers voluntary conservation programs that provide financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and landowners to improve soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and overall land stewardship.

NRCS programs operate on a continuous application basis, with funding decisions made through periodic ranking periods throughout the year. Individual deadlines can be found through their websites.

Common programs include:

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

  • Is Eqip Right for Me?

  • EQIP Fact Sheet

• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

  • Is CSP Right for Me?

  • CSP Fact Sheet

• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

  • Is ACEP Right for Me?

  • ACEP Fact Sheet

The Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District does not administer NRCS funding but can connect applicants with NRCS staff and program information.

Learn More

NRCS Maine: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/maine

EQIP Overview: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/environmental-quality-incentives-program/maine/environmental-quality

CSP Overview: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/conservation-stewardship-program/maine/conservation-stewardship-program-in

ACEP Overview: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/agricultural-conservation-easement-program/maine/agricultural-conservation

Funding opportunities are listed by application deadline. These are not scheduled events.