Entity Steps for Applying for Conservation Program with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Entity – any partnership, joint venture, corporation (limited liability or other), estate, trust, non-profit association or group most of which will use an employee identification number (EIN) to apply for conservation program assistance.

Applicant indicates interest in a conservation program by signing appropriate program Application form. Applicant establishes a customer record in the Service Center Information Management System (SCIMS). This will require the applicant set up an appointment with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to complete record and necessary applicant eligibility information. Applicant completes the following forms* to determine eligibility for USDA programs:

Applicant sets up an appointment with local NRCS office to visit the operation and develop a Conservation Plan. This process may take several visits—both in the office and in the field. NRCS develops a program application package which includes the Conservation Plan developed between the client and NRCS planner which identifies resource concerns and practices that address those concerns. NRCS reviews program applications and selects eligible applications for funding based on ranking criteria and available funding. The applicant with the highest ranking score will be funded first and so forth. If funding is exhausted prior to all applications being funded, the application can be deferred to the next year at the producers’ request.

Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Application ranking deadlines for 2012 funding for EQIP and the Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) are January 20, 2012, March 16, 2012, and May 18, 2012.

Applicant must provide additional information if NRCS determines their application may be funded. This additional information includes:
Completed SF-1199 Direct Deposit Form All program payments will be direct deposited using this banking information.
Power of Attorney Form (FSA 211 may be used) if the authorized individual wants to allow another individual to sign on their behalf.
Corporate or Partnership Legal Papers

Failure to provide the required information may cause your application to be considered “ineligible” for the program year.

For questions about conservation program applications, contact:

Hawaii
Nicola Giardina
State Office Resource Conservationist (Programs)
Phone: (808) 541-2600 x 155
Email: Nicola.Giardina@hi.usda.gov

Kevin Kinvig
East Area Resource Conservationist (Programs)
Phone: (808) 483-8600 x 110
Email: Kevin.Kinvig@hi.usda.gov

Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)
Colleen Simpson
West Area Resource Conservationist (Programs)
Phone: (671) 300-8582
Email: Colleen.Simpson@pb.usda.gov

Last Modified: 01/04/2012

<<Back to Applying for Conservation Programs