USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Seeks Landowners Interested in Conservation

JACKSON, Miss, Sept. 29, 2025 - Farmers and landowners who are interested in the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) supporting ecosystem services that reduce synthetic inputs and improve water and soil quality, can apply for conservation assistance. In fiscal year 2026, RCPP with the Midsouth Regional Conservation Partnership Program serving as the lead partner, will provide financial assistance to farmers and landowners.

Mississippi USDA-NRCS State Conservationist Kurt Readus stated, "RCPP is a unique program that utilizes non-federal investments from conservation partners to accelerate conservation in selected project areas. This approach allows us to make the most of our collective resources to address locally identified concerns, specifically restoration of Longleaf pine ecosystems for this project."

RCPP project description and associated partners:

The Midsouth Regional Conservation Partnership Program, proposal focus area is in Desoto County, Mississippi. The project aims to enhance ecosystem health by establishing diverse habitats on the edges of production sites across Desoto County, supporting ecosystem services that reduce synthetic inputs and improve water and soil quality. This approach will increase biodiversity, providing natural pest control and pollination, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture by fostering the adoption of conservation practices among producers. The project will enhance farm resilience and demonstrate economic benefits, aiming to increase yields and improve the financial viability of farm operations while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs.

Eligible County is as follows: Desoto County, Mississippi

How to Apply

To apply for RCPP, individuals and entities actively engaged in agricultural production are eligible to participate. Farmers and landowners are encouraged to sign up for USDA-NRCS conservation funding. Although NRCS accepts applications throughout the year, applications received after October 31st will be considered based on funding availability in subsequent cycles.

All eligible applications received by Oct.31, 2025, will be prioritized, evaluated, and ranked for funding in 2026. Farmers should contact their local USDA Service Center to get started on producer eligibility and planning. Applications ranking highest in a funding category will be funded first and are subject to availability of program funds. Farmers and landowners interested in receiving financial assistance through these programs are encouraged to apply now by contacting your local service center USDA Service Centers.

When visiting NRCS staff about the RCPP program, landowners are encouraged to inquire about NRCS' comprehensive conservation plans. The Agency continually strives to put conservation planning at the forefront of its programs and initiatives. Conservation plans provide landowners with a comprehensive inventory and assessment of their resources, as well as an appropriate start to improving the quality of soil, water, air, plants, and wildlife on their land.

More Information

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don't have an account, sign up today.

For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.

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