Massachusetts NRCS Programs

The current cut-off date for EQIP and AMA applications is January 15, 2010. The current cut-off date for WHIP applications is February 1, 2010. Applications are accepted year-round, but are ranked and funded once each year.

NRCS is inviting licensed foresters and experienced organic planners to become certified Technical Service Providers (TSP).

Farm Bill Programs

If you own or manage farmland or forest land, run a greenhouse, or grow shellfish or other specialty crops in Massachusetts, then the 2008 Farm Bill conservation programs can help you address natural resource concerns and opportunities on your land.

• Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) - AMA helps mitigate the risk of drought to farms through new irrigation systems.
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) - CSP is a voluntary program that encourages agricultural and forestry producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional ones on their operations.
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) - EQIP helps promote farm and forest production by enhancing the environmental quality of soil, water, air, plants and animals.
• Farm & Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) - FRPP works in partnership with the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program to protect agricultural lands through the purchase of development rights.
• Grassland Protection Program (GRP) - GRP offers compensation for landowners to protect, restore and enhance grasslands.
• Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) - WRP promotes the protection and restoration of wetlands through the purchase of easements and enhancement activities.
• Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) - WHIP helps improve fish and wildlife habitat and restore natural ecosystems.

A Guide to the 2008 Farm Bill Conservation Programs in Massachusetts This four-page pamphlet explains the 2008 Farm Bill and the federal conservation programs authorized under the legislation. It includes program priorities, a chart providing key information on each program, and contact information for NRCS and conservation district offices. Note: this publication is designed to print on 11x17 paper, double-sided and folded in half. Acrobat Reader is required for the following publication. Download the Farm Bill Guide in PDF format

Conservation Programs & Practices for...

Through the 2008 Farm Bill, NRCS is now offering conservation practices to benefit the following areas:

• Clean air & energy
• Forest land
• Greenhouses - coming soon
• Organic farming
• Pollinator habitat - coming soon

"Conservation Programs and Practices" Fact Sheets in PDF format

Acrobat Reader is required for the following publications.

Programs and Practices for Clean Air and Energy in Massachusetts
Programs and Practices for Forest Land in Massachusetts
Programs and Practices for Greenhouses in Massachusetts
Programs and Practices for Organic Farming in Massachusetts

Other Programs

• Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA)
• Earth Team Volunteer Program
• Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP)
• National Resources Inventory (NRI)
• Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D)
• Small Watershed Program
• Soil Surveys

Project environmental assessments and other public notices

State Technical Committee

The State Technical Committee advises the NRCS State Conservationist on the technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill.