The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington (NRCS-WA) is hosting an informational workshop Oct. 5, 2023, in preparation for the Fiscal Year 2024 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) sign up.
Through ACEP-ALE, NRCS provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing perpetual Agricultural Land Easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land. In the case of working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agricultural production. The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland and shrubland. Eligible partners include American Indian tribes, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations that have farmland, rangeland, or grassland protection programs.
Panelists from the NRCS-WA Programs Staff will discuss ACEP-ALE basics from application to closing. NRCS staff will also discuss program nuances for Fiscal Year 2024, including the application sign-up deadline, an overview of the updated ALE application packets and submission procedures, the new application map requirements, and the anticipated FY24 program timeline. Panelists from USDA’s Farm Service Agency will discuss eligibility requirements for program participants and how to obtain a receipt for service. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to engage with panelists during a facilitated question-and-answer session following the presentations.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023
Time: 12 to 2:30 p.m.
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Workshop Agenda:
- Welcome & NRCS Partnership Updates
- NRCS Programming & Resources: What’s New for FY24
- FY24 ALE Application Process
- Tips & Tricks for a Successful ALE Application with Representatives from NRCS and FSA
- Q&A and Closing Remarks
The workshop will be held via Microsoft Teams. Registration is not required. To access the event, follow the workshop link below. The link is also available on the FY24 ACEP-ALE Kickoff Workshop Invitation and the Full Workshop Agenda.
Workshop Link: Click here to join the meeting.
Source : usda.gov