Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program Proposals Due Feb. 10, 2012

WREP is a component of WRP through which NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to target and leverage resources to carry out high-priority wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement activities and improve wildlife habitat on eligible lands.
 

News Release (255KB, PDF)
General WREP Funding Announcement ( 143 KB, PDF)

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Conservation Stewardship Program (CStP) applications are due January 27, 2012.
Producers interested in CStP should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline so that their applications can be considered during the first ranking period of 2012.  The link to more information takes you to the national web page which may still say January 13 is the deadline, but that is outdated.  January 27th, is the revised deadline.
 

More information
 

Conservation Innovation Grant Pre-proposals Due January 31, 2012

We are looking for innovative ideas that will help farmers and ranchers conserve natural resources and keep their operations profitable. Find out more about how to submit your CIG pre-proposal. 

Ranking cut off dates for applications for the following initiatives are February 3, March 31, and June 1, 2012:

EQIP Energy Initiative
This initiative provides financial opportunities for producers to address on-farm energy conservation through practice implementation and for development of energy conservation plans. 

EQIP Organic Initiative

This assistance helps producers plan and implement conservation practices to allow their organic operations to be environmentally sustainable.

EQIP Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative

The Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers.  The goal of the initiative is to assist producers to extent the growing season for high value crops in an environmentally safe manner. 

Soil Health Workshops Offered

You are cordially invited to join the NRCS and the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts for a workshop on soil health. During this workshop you will learn about the properties of healthy soils and what you can do to improve soil health on your farm.

Agenda (91 KB, PDF) 

Begin the Conservation Planning Process Now
 

Agriculture or forest landowners in New Hampshire interested in protecting, conserving, or restoring the natural resources on their property through technical or financial assistance, or a conservation easement, are encouraged to contact their local USDA NRCS office to begin the conservation planning process. 

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Notice to Hispanic and/or Women Farmers

If you are a woman or Hispanic farmer and believe that you were improperly denied farm loan benefits by USDA between 1981 and 2000, you may be eligible for compensation. Earlier this year, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Assistant Attorney General Tony West  announced the establishment of a process to resolve the claims of Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who assert that they were discriminated against when seeking USDA farm loans. 

En Espaņol (66KB, PDF)
More Info on USDA Discrimination Claims