NRCS Conservation Stewardship and Environmental Quality Incentive Programs

July 1, 2026

NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Through CSP,  NRCS works with farmers and ranchers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts to meet their operational goals and objectives. Farmers and ranchers will implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expand on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations through this program.

Contract payments are based on two components:

• Payments to maintain the existing level of conservation, and
• Payments to implement additional conservation activities.

According to the NRCS website, most participants will be eligible for a $4000 minimum payment during any year that their total annual contract payment falls below the minimum payment amount.

NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)

There are three annual Conservation Innovation Grants funding opportunities:

CIG Classic

National competition for projects that support the early-stage development and piloting of new tools, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.

CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials (On-Farm Trials)

National competitive application process for projects that support more widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. The Soil Health Demo Trial is a priority within the On-Farm Trials competition which focuses exclusively on implementation of conservation practices and systems that improve soil health.

State CIG Classic

State-level competitive application process for projects that support early-stage development and piloting of new tools, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. While the overall goal and approach match those of CIG Classic, CIG state competitions fund projects that target state-identified conservation priorities.

NRCS is currently accepting application for CIG through July 27, 2026.

NRCS Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)

EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, including:

• Improved water and air quality;
• Conserved ground and surface water;
• Increased soil health ;
• Reduced soil erosion and sedimentation;
• Improved or created wildlife habitat; and
• Mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.

To apply for EQIP, farmers and rancher should first contact their local NRCS office. An NRCS conservation planner will schedule a visit to their property. Together, they will walk through the property to identify goals and concerns that could be addressed through the program. Following the site visit, the conservation planner will develop a conservation plan that includes a variety of conservation practices or activities to address the resource concerns and management goals discussed.

Applications for NRCS conservation programs are accepted on a continuous basis; however, customers should apply by state-specific ranking dates to be considered for the current funding cycle.