Deadline for Joint Chiefs Initiative extended to May 1, 2020:  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 6, 2020 — The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Assistant State Conservationist for Programs Kenneth Branch, announced today that a sign up for fiscal year 2020 Joint Chiefs Initiative has been extended. All New Mexico agricultural producers who would like to be considered for financial assistance under the Joint Chiefs Initiative need to apply by Friday, May 1, 2020.

While producers can apply year-round for EQIP assistance, this extended application cutoff announcement is specific to the following Joint Chiefs Initiatives:

Joint Chiefs

i.     Greater Santa Fe Fireshed

ii.    Taos Valley Watershed Coalition

USDA Announces May 29 Application Cutoff for CSP:  Albuquerque, N.M., April 6, 2020 – The next deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for funding this year is May 29, 2020. Through CSP, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners earn payments for expanding conservation activities while maintaining agricultural production on their land. CSP also encourages adoption of new technologies and management techniques.

For additional information see attached news releases.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone, and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with NRCS, Farm Service Agency, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.