Natural Resource Conservation Service – Tennessee has announced an extension to the 2023 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Classic and Inflation Reduction Act application deadline. Tennessee agricultural producers who wish to be considered for the current fiscal year funding should apply by Monday, September 11, 2023.

Through CSP, Natural Resource Conservation Service helps farmers and ranchers earn payments for maintaining their current level of conservation across their entire operation. CSP provides the opportunity to expand their conservation activities by adopting new technologies and management techniques. The program provides many benefits including increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements, and increased resilience to weather extremes. CSP is for working lands including cropland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forestland, and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of a tribe. Farmsteads and other associated agricultural lands are also included. CSP also provides specific support for organic and transitioning to organic producers.

CSP is a program made for farm operators. To be eligible, contract participants must meet Farm Bill Program eligibility in conjunction with the Farm Service Agency, including meeting the highly erodible land and wetland compliance requirements and the adjusted gross income limits.

The application deadline is September 11, 2023, however through the streamlined application and contract approval approach, applications will be assessed and ranked as they are submitted to local USDA Service Centers. NRCS Tennessee will be utilizing an ACT NOW approach. Based on the availability of funds, applications with a score greater than one point will be preapproved once assessed and ranked until funds have been expelled.

Interested producers looking to increase their level of conservation across their operation in Montgomery county can apply for CSP within our office – 25 Jefferson St, Clarksville or by calling 931-368-0252 x 2.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.