NRCS targets funding and technical resources to address local, state, regional and national resource concerns. Within Indiana, NRCS works with partners including local conservation districts, state agencies, commodity groups, and non-profit organizations to identify resource concerns.
Historically Underserved Farmers
This fund category is for applicants defined as socially disadvantaged, veteran, limited resource or beginning farmer. To see if you are eligible for one of these categories, please visit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers or talk to your local district conservationist. Historically underserved producers might be eligible for priority consideration, higher payment rates and advanced payments.
National Organic Initiative
NRCS provides assistance to help producers implement conservation measures in keeping with organic production. Producers who are certified organic, transitioning to organic or exempt from organic certification are eligible for this initiative.
National On-Farm Energy Initiative
NRCS provides assistance to quantify how energy can be used more efficiently to reduce input costs, increase productivity and reduce air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative only offers assistance for 128 Conservation Activity Plans-Ag Energy Management Plans (AgEMPs) and certain energy conservation practices.
Working Lands for Wildlife Initiative
Monarch Butterfly: The Monarch Butterfly Habitat Development Project is a multi-state effort focused on increasing monarch habitat on private lands through plantings of milkweed and nectaring forbs as well as managing pesticide use in proximity to monarch habitat.
Working Lands for Wildlife Initiative
Bobwhite Quail: The goal of this initiative is to convert tall fescue and other non-native forages to native grasses and forbs and develop prescribed grazing plans to address the habitat needs of bobwhite quail and associated grassland/shrub land species. This category is available statewide on land which overlaps one of the Indiana DNR C.O.R.R.I.D.O.R.S. priority areas.
General Wildlife
NRCS provides assistance to help producers implement conservation measures for projects where the primary purpose is to establish or manage wildlife habitat.
National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI)
NRCS provides targeted funding for financial and technical assistance in small watersheds most in need and where farmers can use conservation practices to make a difference.
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)
NRCS and partners work with producers and landowners to implement voluntary conservation practices that improve water quality, restore wetlands, enhance wildlife habitat and sustain agricultural profitability in the Great Lakes (focused in the Western Lake Erie Basin, Steuben, Dekalb, Noble, Allen, Wells and Adams Counties).
Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI)
NRCS and partners work with producers and landowners to implement voluntary conservation practices that improve water quality, restore wetlands, enhance wildlife habitat and sustain agricultural profitability in the Mississippi River basin.
Western Lake Erie Basin Initiative (WLEB)
NRCS and partners work with producers and landowners to implement voluntary conservation practices that improve water quality, restore wetlands, enhance wildlife habitat and sustain agricultural profitability in the Western Lake Erie basin (Steuben, Dekalb, Noble, Allen, Wells and Adams Counties).