Signup Deadline Announced for Alabama’s ACEP -ALE Easement Program

Signup Deadline Announced for Alabama's ACEP -ALE Easement Program

Auburn, Alabama - Alabama State Conservationist, Ben Malone, with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces a Fiscal Year 2026 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) sign-up deadline of July 30, 2026.

• Applications for the ACEP-ALE are accepted from eligible entities only. These eligible entities may submit applications to NRCS to acquire a conservation easement on eligible agricultural land. NRCS does not accept applications for ACEP-ALE directly from producers. Producers will need to work with an eligible entity to pursue funding for an ACEP-ALE conservation easement. Some examples of eligible entities include Land Trusts, State or local governmental units, or non-governmental organizations with the authority to hold and protect agricultural land through easements. Land types that could be eligible for ACEP-ALE include cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland with prime and statewide important soils.
• All applications must be submitted to Alabama NRCS by July 30, 2026, for ACEP-ALE (from the eligible entity). Conservation program applications are available at your local USDA Service Center and at our Application and Forms web page .
• A complete application includes completed forms NRCS-CPA-41, "Entity Application for an Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) Agreement" and NRCS-CPA-41A, "Parcel Sheet for Entity Application for an Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) Agreement", proof of ownership, written pending offer for the purchase of conservation easement, and map of the proposed easement and access. Additional information may be requested to complete the ranking and eligibility determinations.
• NRCS provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment. More information on NRCS conservation programs can be found at https://www.farmers.gov/ or https://www.al.nrcs.usda.gov .

For more information about Alabama NRCS and programmatic initiatives, priorities and assessment/ranking criteria, visit online at www.al.nrcs.usda.gov . Additionally, visit your local USDA Service Center to determine eligibility; applicants are not eligible for USDA programs until they have ensured all Farm Bill eligibility requirements have been met. You can locate your local Service Center at farmers.gov/service-center-locator .

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