DOVER, Del. — The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Delaware is accepting applications from agricultural producers and forest landowners for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Financial and technical assistance is available to help producers and landowners take conservation efforts to the next level while strengthening their operation.
While USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service accepts CSP applications year-round, Delaware producers and landowners should apply by March 25 to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2022.
“Conservation efforts are critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability and productivity of our natural resources,” said Kasey L. Taylor, Delaware NRCS State Conservationist. “CSP offers additional resources to help producers amplify those efforts for an increased, beneficial impact on both their operation and the environment.”
Through CSP, agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for actively managing, maintaining, and expanding conservation activities like cover crops, ecologically-based pest management, buffer strips, and pollinator and beneficial insect habitat – all while maintaining active agriculture production on their land.
CSP is for working lands including cropland, pastureland, nonindustrial private forest land and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of a tribe. Participating farmers will further address priority resource concerns related to soil quality, water quality, air quality, and plant health. On-farm benefits include increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements; and better resilience to weather variables.
Producers interested in CSP should call their local USDA service center. In Delaware’s Sussex County, call 302-856-3990, ext. 3; in Kent County, call 302-741-2600, ext. 3; and in New Castle County, call 302-832-3100, ext. 3. Or visit www.de.nrcs.usda.gov for more information.
–Dastina Wallace, USDA, NRCS