The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California announces Fiscal Year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) federal assistance opportunities for agricultural producers, including through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program(ACEP). While NRCS accepts applications for these programs year-round, interested applicants should apply no later than November 21, 2025, for the application cutoff period.
Applications are currently being accepted through November 21, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
“EQIP, CSP, and ACEP are amazing tools that empower our producers to turn their conservation plans into action to protect our land and natural resources. They are how NRCS partners with producers to Keep Farmers Farming,” said California State Conservationist Carlos Suarez.
Application cutoff periods allow NRCS to screen and rank applications for those with the highest conservation benefits across California’s landscapes, including cropland, ranchlands, and private non-industrial forestlands. Additional signups may be announced at later dates.