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

Individual – any individual who controls the enrolled land and uses their personal social security number (SSN) to apply for conservation program assistance.

1. Applicant indicates interest in a conservation program by signing appropriate program Application form.
2. 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.
3. Applicant completes forms* to determine eligibility for USDA programs:

   • AD-1026 Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification
   • CCC-902I Farm Operating Plan for Payment Eligibility Review
   • CCC-926 Payment Eligibility Average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

   These eligiblity forms can be accessed on-line for your convenience. Please visit our eForms site at: http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/eForms/welcomeAction.do?Home

   *The process of establishing applicant eligibility may take several weeks. Some forms may need to be updated annually. You must maintain eligibility status throughout the life of the conservation program contract in order to receive program benefits.

4. Applicant sets up an appointment with local NRCS office to visit the operation and develop a current Conservation Plan. This process can take several visits—both in the office and in the field.
5. NRCS develops a program application package based on the approved Conservation Plan, and discussions with the applicant.
6. NRCS reviews program applications and selects eligible applications for funding based on ranking criteria and available funding when funding is available. Because NRCS programs rely on funds being available, this step may occur weeks or months after your program application package is submitted.
7. Applicant provides additional information if NRCS determines their application may be considered for funding. 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.

8. Applicant must document control of the land for the contract period using any of the following:

   • Deed
   • Lease, or
   • Other written authorization from the landowner (“NRCS—Farm Bill Conservation Programs Land Eligibility Certification Form” may be used)
   • Land must be considered an eligible land use for the program.

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

If your application is not considered for funding in the year you apply, your application may be considered in future years based on funding and meeting the requirements outlined above.
 

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Last Modified: 11/09/2009