NRCS Maryland announces Dec. 1 cutoff for conservation program applications

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maryland is accepting applications from farmers and forest landowners for the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). While NRCS accepts applications for these programs year-round, interested applicants should apply no later than December 1, 2025, to be considered for fiscal year 2026 funding.

"NRCS conservation programs support Maryland farmers as they make investments in their operations and local communities to keep working lands working, while at the same time improving water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat," said Maryland State Conservationist Suzy Daubert.

Maryland agricultural producers and forest landowners can apply for NRCS program funding any time by visiting their local NRCS office. Maryland has 23 NRCS field offices located at USDA Service Centers in every county.

The Dec. 1 application cutoff includes the following Farm Bill programs:

• Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
• Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

NRCS ranks all eligible applications received by the cutoff date and selects applications in ranking order as funding allows.

This year NRCS Maryland is using the Act Now process for EQIP CPA-DIA-CEMA, High Tunnel, and On-Farm Energy applications received by March 27, 2026. Act Now allows NRCS to immediately approve and obligate a ranked application when an eligible application meets or exceeds a determined minimum ranking score.

Additional cutoff dates may be announced based on available funding. Last year, NRCS provided about $31 million to Maryland farmers and forest landowners through AMA, CSP, EQIP, and RCPP.