By Blake Jackson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging agricultural producers and forest landowners in Pennsylvania to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices in fiscal year 2024 as part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda.
Pennsylvania State Conservationist Denise Coleman says that NRCS has conservation assistance for all types of producers, regardless of the size of their farm or where it is located. She encourages all producers who have natural resource concerns to consider applying for a conservation plan and program.
NRCS is offering $15 million to Pennsylvania farmers who wish to plant cover crops over the next five years. Cover crops sequester carbon, improve soil quality, reduce soil erosion, and improve overall water quality. Cover crop applications under EQIP will be accepted on a first-come, first serve basis.
Here are some of the voluntary conservation programs that Pennsylvania agricultural producers and forest landowners can participate in:
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to help them address natural resource concerns on their land.
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): CSP rewards farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners for adopting and maintaining a wide range of conservation practices that benefit the environment.
• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): ACEP helps farmers and ranchers conserve land while keeping it in production or returning it to its natural state.
Agricultural producers and forest landowners who are interested in participating in one of these programs should contact their local NRCS office.
For information about this cover crop sign-up in Pennsylvania, please contact your local USDA service center at www.farmers.gov/service-locator.
Photo Credit: USDA
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business