The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) is available for producers recently impacted by the severe storms that have swept across the state. Eligible applicants include farmers and ranchers who have suffered damage to their farmland due to natural disasters, including tornadoes. The damage must significantly impair the land’s agricultural productivity or pose a threat to land or water resources.
The program covers the removal of debris from farmland; grading, shaping or leveling land; restoring permanent fences; restoring conservation structures; and implementing emergency water conservation measures during severe drought. ECP provides cost-share assistance for up to 75% of the cost of approved conservation practices. Limited-resource producers may be eligible for up to a 90% cost-share. The availability of ECP funds is subject to annual appropriations and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding priorities may be established based on the severity of the disaster and the extent of the damage.
A request for assistance should be made to the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office as soon as possible after the disaster occurs to ensure timely assistance. The application process includes an assessment of the damage, documentation of the disaster impact and a description of the proposed conservation measures. Detailed enrollment instructions and deadlines are available through the local FSA office.