NRCS Conservation Programs

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2 NRCS Conservation Programs 2014 Farm Bill The 2014 Farm Bill streamlines and simplifies NRCS conservation programs and allows better targeting of conservation and priority resource concerns. Among other changes, the new law: Continues the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and incorporates the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program Strengthens and maintains the Conservation Stewardship Program Combines three conservation easement programs into the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program with consistent authority and definitions Consolidates four regional conservation programs into a comprehensive Regional Conservation Partnership Program 2

3 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Administered by the Farm Services Agency with technical assistance form NRCS and state forestry agencies. Acreage cap of 24 million acres in 2017 Adds working grasslands option of up to 2 million acres One time early out option in 2015 Provides more flexibility for cover management Maintains the opportunity for retiring farmers and ranchers to transition these lands to beginning or veteran farmer and rancher 3

4 Environmental Quality Incentives Program Program Changes: Merging EQIP and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) 4

5 EQIP Funding Authority Billions

6 EQIP: Conservation Innovation Grants 6

7 Conservation Stewardship Program Program Changes: Two priority resource concerns 10 million acre annual enrollment cap 7

8 Conservation Stewardship Program 8

9 Easements Agricultural Conservation Easement Program FRPP GRP WRP 9

10 ACEP Agricultural Land Easement Component Allows landowner donations for ALE, if the entity provides at least 50% of what the Secretary is contributing. Limits Federal share to not exceed 50% of the fair market value of the easement. Allows the Federal share to up to 75% for grasslands of special environment significance. Prohibits bidding down. 10

11 ACEP Wetland Reserve Easement Component 1. Establishes ownership requirement prior to enrollment of 2 years; 2. Authorizes waiver process to allow enrollment of CRP land established to trees. 3. No option to enroll stand-alone restoration cost-share agreements. 11

12 Partnerships 2014 Farm Bill Regional Conservation Partnership Program 12

13 Regional Conservation Partnership Program Eligible Producers Eligible Partners Partnership Agreements Flexibility Funding 13

14 Agricultural Management Assistance Program 14

15 Healthy Forest Reserve Program 15

16 County Cropland Acreage Limitations 2008 Farm Bill Limitation 2014 Exceptions: Shelterbelts and windbreaks Wet and saturated soils 1 6

17 Other Provisions AGI Receipt for Services Appeals Regional Equity 17

18 Watershed Rehabilitation The Farm Bill authorizes $250 million in mandatory funds to remain available until expended for watershed rehabilitation efforts under the Watershed and Flood Prevention Act. Extends the authority to appropriate $85 million per year through 2018 (discretionary) 18

19 Tribal Lands Changes that affect Tribal Lands: AMA CSP EQIP HFRP 19

20 Conservation Compliance Re-links conservation compliance to crop insurance subsidies No change in NRCS determination process for HELC or WC. Application of determinations is forward looking to subsequent insurance subsidies. Time allowed for plan implementation and wetland restoration for individuals new to compliance. New options and funding ($10M) for NRCS to work with wetland mitigation banks for agricultural lands. 20

21 Sodsaver Applicable to crop insurance premium subsidies and non-insured disaster assistance programs - only Applies to land that has never been tilled Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Nebraska 21

22 Provisions with no significant change 2014 Farm Bill 2 2

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