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Financial Assistance Programs
2002 Farm Bill Programs
The Farm Bill Programs described below are voluntary. Most farmers and ranchers will want technical assistance to determine what practices and programs will most effectively achieve their unique goals.
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Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
CRP Rental Rates By County |
Highly erodible cropland or marginal pastureland that has been planted for 4 of the 6 years preceding enactment of the 2002 law.
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10-15 years |
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up to 50% |
Develop & follow a plan for conversion of cropland to less intensive use. Assist with cost of conservation practice establishment & maintenance.
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Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) |
Most private wetlands converted to agricultural use prior to 1985 are eligible. Wetland must be restorable & suitable for wildlife benefits. |
10 or 30 years; permanent |
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up to 100% |
Develop & follow a plan for the restoration & maintenance of the wetland. If necessary, assist with restoration cost. |
Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) |
Private grassland, shrub land & land containing forbs or land that historically contained those features is eligible. |
10, 15, 20, or 30 years; permanent |
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up to 90% |
Develop & comply with a plan for the easement or restoration agreement; assist with the remaining installation costs |
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) |
All private land is eligible, unless it is currently enrolled in CRP, WRP or a similar program |
5-15 years |
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up to 75% |
Prepare & follow a wildlife habitat development plan; assist with installation costs. |
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) |
All private land in agricultural production is eligible, includes cropland, grassland, pastureland & non-industrial private forestland. |
1-10 years |
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up to 75% |
Develop & follow an EQIP plan that describes the conservation & environmental purposes to be achieved; assist with installation costs. |
Conservation Security Program (CSP) |
All private agricultural land & forested land that is an incidental part of an agricultural operation is eligible. |
5-10 years |
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up to 75% |
A conservation security plan is required to install and/or maintain conservation practices on working lands. |
Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP) |
All non-industrial private forestlands are eligible for financial, technical, & educational assistance. |
10 years or more |
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up to 75%
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Develop & implement a management plan; assist with the remaining installation costs. |
Farm & Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) |
Private land that contains prime farmland or other unique resources & is subject to a pending easement from an eligible entity. |
Permanent |
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Continue to use the land for agricultural purposes. Develop a conservation plan & comply with the terms of the easement. |
Develop plan – plan requirements vary by farm bill program.
Portion of installation costs – see cost share for maximum percentage cost share
Rental payments - Annual payment based on length of agreement
Easements – one time upfront payment
Federal fact sheets, program manuals, federal register notifications and other documents on all 2002 Farm Bill Conservation programs. State priorities, appropriation levels and signup periods differ. Arkansas program priorities are determined by the Arkansas State Technical Committee annually. Consult your local NRCS or FSA office for the most up-to-date signup and eligibility information.
 Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (Continuous CRP)
Technical Assistance: Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Private Lands Biologists & Stream Team Coordinators, NRCS District Conservationists, Arkansas Forestry Commission County Foresters, Conservation Districts. Find local providers
Sign-Up: Farm Service Agency
This voluntary program allows landowners to establish certain conservation buffer practices on cropland and marginal pasture and enroll the land in the CRP at any time without having to go through the process of submitting a competitive offer. Landowners who have land covered by an expiring CRP contract, don’t have to make an “all-or-nothing” choice about bringing the land out of CRP. The landowner decides what land to enroll in the program.
Working with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Arkansas Forestry Commission or conservation district, landowners identify those buffer practices available under the continuous CRP sign-up that are most suitable for their land and meet their conservation needs.
To be eligible, landowners must have owned the land for the previous year. Cropland is eligible if it was planted or considered planted to an agricultural commodity in two of the last five crop years and is physically and legally capable of being cropped. The land does not have to be highly erodible.
Marginal pasture that is suitable for use as a riparian buffer is also eligible. Marginal pasture includes any land along streams or rivers available for grazing, whether previously seeded to grass or not. Most land covered by expiring CRP contracts that is determined suitable for a CRP buffer practice is likewise eligible.
A new retrospective study shows the Conservation Reserve Program increases the amount of organic matter on enrolled fields and virtually eliminates soil and nutrient loss. The 2006 CRP annual report CRP's reports acres in CRP by state as well as estimated reduction of soil erosion, enhancement of water quality and expansion and improvement of wildlife habitat.
Other CRP-Related Programs and Initiatives
- Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP)
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Eligible acreage includes farmed and prior converted wetlands that have been impacted by farming activities. The maximum acreage for enrollment of wetlands and buffers is 40 acres per tract. Eligible producers in all states can enroll eligible land in the FWP through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Offers are accepted on a continuous sign-up basis and are automatically accepted provided the acreage and producer meet certain eligibility requirements.
The Arkansas CREP is a partnership between USDA and the State of Arkansas. The program seeks to enroll 6,250 acres of eligible cropland or marginal pastureland in 14 to 15 year contracts within the Cache River/Bayou DeView watersheds. The project will establish or restore wetlands and riparian forest buffers by planting hardwood trees. The CREP project area includes all or parts of the following counties: Monroe, Prairie and Woodruff. The primary goals of the project are to enhance wildlife habitat and improve water quality by filtering agricultural runoff.
- Bottomland Hardwood on Wetlands Initiative
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency (FSA)
The Bottomland (hardwood)
Timber Establishment on Wetlands
initiative is a new effort under the
Conservation Reserve Program
(CRP) that works to improve
air and water quality as well as
increase wildlife habitat along
wetland areas. The initiative
allows producers to enroll in a
CRP practice on lands suitable
for growing bottomland hardwood
trees or adapted shrubs that will
provide multipurpose forest and
wildlife benefits.
- State Areas for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE)
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency (FSA)
State FSA offices began taking proposals in August 2007 from federal, state, nonprofit organizations or producers for areas where new CRP acreage may be established to address the habitat needs of endangered, threatened or high-priority fish and other wildlife species. Successful proposals must comply with CRP eligibility requirements and may come from any of the 50 state FSA offices. SAFE seeks to enroll 500,000 acres in new CRP contracts. Conservation practices currently offered under CRP can be fine-tuned under SAFE to improve, connect or create higher-quality habitat to promote healthier ecosystems in areas identified as essential to effective species management. FSA will consider SAFE proposals through a review process that includes FSA and the USDA state technical committees. Funding was approved for Arkansas in early 2008. See 2008 Funded Projects.
 Natural Resources Conservation Service
Environmental Quality Improvement Program (EQIP)
USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS)
EQIP offers contracts with a minimum term that ends one year after the implementation of the last scheduled practices and a maximum term of ten years. These contracts provide incentive payments and cost-share to implement conservation practices. Persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may participate in the EQIP program. EQIP activities are carried out according to an environmental quality incentives program plan of operations developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or practices to address the resource concerns. The practices are subject to NRCS technical standards adapted for local conditions.
Farmers may obtain technical assistance from the local NRCS office or may elect to use a certified third-party provider for technical assistance. The local conservation district approves the plan.
EQIP may cost-share up to 75 percent of the costs of certain conservation practices. Incentive payments may be provided for up to three years to encourage producers to carry out management practices they may not otherwise use without the incentive. Limited resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers may be eligible for cost-shares up to 90 percent.
Wildlife Habitat Improvement (WHIP)
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) in cooperation with Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
Through WHIP USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service provides both technical assistance and cost-share assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 5 to 10 years from the date the agreement is signed. Each state develops a plan for how they will implement the WHIP program consistent with the national WHIP program.
NRCS WHIP Arkansas State Plan describes approved practices, percent cost share for each practice, and geographic focal areas. 2007 priorities include:
- Cave Ecosystem - Caves in the 13 northern Arkansas counties: Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Newton, Stone, Van Buren and Washington.
Species Of Concern: Indiana Bat, Gray Bat, Ozark Big-Eared Bat, Ozark Cave Fish, Cave Crayfish (Cambarus aculabrum) and Cave Crayfish (Cambarus zophononastes)
- Northern Bobwhite Quail Focal Areas: Parts of the following Arkansas counties are included in the Quail Focal Areas in the 2007 plan: Conway, Faulkner, Fulton, Searcy, Van Buren
Species Of Concern: Fat Pocketbook Pearly Mussel*, Curtis Pearly Mussel*, Pink Mucket Mussel*, Pallid Sturgeon*, Shovelnose Sturgeon, Paddlefish, Flathead Catfish, Alligator Gar, Alligator Snapping Turtle, Blue Sucker. *Denotes Federally Listed Threatened or Endangered Species
Species Of Concern: Eastern Wild Turkey, Rocky Mountain Elk, Bobwhite Quail, Neotropical Migrant Songbirds, Raptors, Upland Mammals
Species of Concern: Wintering Waterfowl, Neotropical Migrant Birds, Wood Duck, Furbearers, Wild Turkey, Woodcock, Whitetailed Deer, Black Bear, Mourning Dove, American Alligator
Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS)
Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)
A voluntary program that offers landowners easements, long-term rental agreements or restoration agreements to protect, restore and enhance grasslands, including grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands, or land historically containing these features. The program is jointly administered by NRCS, FSA and U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The program will conserve vulnerable grasslands from conversion to cropland or other uses and conserve valuable grasslands by helping maintain viable ranching operations. Minimum of 40 contiguous acres. 10, 15, 20, or 30 years, or permanent agreements. Annual payment based on length of agreement. Up to 90% cost-share.
Applications may be filed for an easement or rental agreement with NRCS or FSA at any time. Participants voluntarily limit future use of the land while retaining the right to conduct common grazing practices; produce hay; conduct fire rehabilitation; and construct firebreaks and fences. Each state establishes ranking criteria to prioritize enrollment of working grasslands.
Conservation Security Program (CSP)
USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS)
Conservation Security Program (CSP)
Only land in the Upper White- Village Watershed in Northeast Arkansas is eligible at this time. A self-assessment is required for all CSP applications and must be completed by the applicant prior to the published application evaluation period cut-off date for the application to be considered for funding. Applicants may print the self-assessment or complete it online. This self-assessment is useful to all producers even if they are not applying for CSP funds.
Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)
USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS)
Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)
WRP provides an opportunity for landowners to receive financial incentives to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring marginal land from agriculture. Landowners and Tribes may file an application for a conservation easement or a cost-share restoration agreement with NRCS or FSA to restore and protect wetlands. Participants voluntarily limit future use of the land, but retain private ownership. The program offers three enrollment options:
- Permanent Easement. This is a conservation easement in perpetuity. Easement payments for this option equal the lowest of three amounts: the agricultural value of the land, an established payment cap, or an amount offered by the landowner. In addition to paying for the easement, USDA pays 100 percent of the costs of restoring the wetland.
- 30-Year Easement. Easement payments through this option are 75 percent of what would be paid for a permanent easement. USDA also pays up to 75 percent of restoration costs. For both permanent and 30-year easements, USDA pays all costs associated with recording the easement in the local land records office, including recording fees, charges for abstracts, survey and appraisal fees, and title insurance.
- Restoration Cost-Share Agreement. This is an agreement (generally for a minimum of 10 years) to re-establish degraded or lost wetland habitat. USDA pays up to 75 percent of the cost of the restoration activity. This enrollment option does not place an easement on the property. Other agencies, conservation districts, and private conservation
Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRLPP)
USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) makes grants to local entities who administer the conservation easements.
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRLPP)
The program provides matching funds to State, Tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations with existing farm and ranch land protection programs to purchase conservation easements. These entities acquire conservation easements from landowners. Participating landowners agree not to convert their land to non-agricultural uses and to develop and implement a conservation plan for any highly erodible land. All highly erodible lands enrolled must have a conservation plan developed based on the standards in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide and approved by the local conservation district. Landowners retain rights to use the property for agriculture.
Forestland Enhancement Program (FLEP)
USDA, Forest Service (USFS) administered by Arkansas Forestry Commission
Forestland Enhancement Program (FLEP)
The Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP) replaced the Stewardship Incentives Program (SIP) and the Forestry Incentives Program (FIP). The program is administered by the Arkansas Forestry Commission. FLEP is a voluntary program for non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners. It provides for technical, educational, and cost-share assistance to promote sustainability of the NIPF forests. As of 12/2007, this program is not funded.
Other USDA Programs
Healthy Forests Reserves Program (HFRP)
To be eligible for enrollment, land must be private land which will restore, enhance, or measurably increase the likelihood of recovery of a threatened or endangered species, must improve biological diversity, or increase carbon sequestration. The program offers three enrollment options: 1) A 10-year cost-share agreement; for which the landowner may receive 50% of the cost of the approved conservation practices, 2) A 30-year easement, for which the landowner may receive 75% of the market value of the enrolled land plus 75% of the cost of the approved conservation practices, or 3) An easement of not more than 99-years, for which landowners may receive 75% of the market value of the enrolled land plus the cost of the approved conservation practices. Contact your local NRCS office. Contracts were last issued in 2006.
Follow 2007 Farm Bill
Congress is in the process of developing the 2007 Farm Bill. There are a variety of sites where you can follow the process.
Learn What Advocacy Organizations Are Saying About Conservation Sections of the 2007 Farm Bill
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