USDA Announces Extension of Second FY 2026 Signup for Conservation Programs in Connecticut

• ACEP Agricultural Land Easements(ALE) program,
• ACEP Wetlands Reserve Easement Program(WRE) program, and
• Conservation Stewardship Program(CSP).

Connecticut encourages CT farmers and forestland owners to participate in the new Regenerative Pilot Program(CSP). Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. This pilot program addresses whole-farm resource concerns through support for voluntary regenerative agriculture conservation plans.

"NRCS in Connecticut continues our commitment to our farmers, woodland owners, and aquaculture producers to advance conservation, strengthen service delivery, and support the people who feed and fuel our nation," said NRCS State Conservationist Thomas L. Morgart.

NRCS helps Connecticut farmers, ranchers, and private woodland owners to apply conservation practices and activities on their land. We offer a variety of practices like cover crops, tree planting, composting facilities, pasture & hay planting, wildlife habitat planting, efficient irrigation systems, and soil health testing.

All our NRCS financial and technical assistance programs are voluntary programs that help our clients to install or manage conservation practices on eligible agricultural land.

NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round but sets state-specific ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding. Application cutoff periods allow NRCS to screen and rank applications for those with the highest conservation benefits across Connecticut's landscapes, including cropland, pastureland, and private non-industrial forestlands. The next application cutoff date for the programs listed above is Friday, April 17, 2026. Applications received after this date will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.

Visit www.CT.nrcs.usda.govor call your local NRCS Field Officeor Conservation District Office for more information.

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