New ATTRA Publication Details Conservation Programs

During the past decade, major federal conservation programs that help farmers and ranchers maintain and enhance sustainable practices have increased dramatically. Access to these resources can open new opportunities to preserve agricultural lands, develop sustainable practices, and open new markets. A new ATTRA publication, “Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching,” is an overview of those programs and acts as a guide for navigating the often complex and difficult application process. This guide helps farmers and ranchers make their way through the often complex and difficult application processes. Access to these resources can open new opportunities to preserve agricultural lands, develop sustainable practices, and open new markets.

“Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching” was written by Jeff Schahczenski, Agriculture Policy and Funding Research Director for the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). It is available on the ATTRA website at www.attra.ncat.org. Table of Contents Introduction Federal Conservation Resources and Your Farm or Ranch What Is Available? Overview of Federal Conservation Resources for Working Lands Conservation Programs and USDA Agency Responsibilities Know the Programs: Working Land vs. Retiring Land National vs. Local Differences in Program Details Working Lands Programs Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) Implementation Appeals Conclusion References Resources