Farm Conservation Funding Hits Record Yet Majority of Farmers Not Receiving Payments

Photos by Brandon O’Connor

Farm conservation funding reached a record high in 2024, mainly due to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invested over $3 billion in IRA funds. This supported more than 23,000 climate-focused conservation contracts. Another $2 billion was available from the farm bill for all conservation activities.

Despite this, nearly 64% of farmers applying for funding through the USDA’s flagship programs—the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program—were denied due to overwhelming demand.

While the IRA modestly helped increase acceptance rates, only 6% more CSP applications were accepted in 2023. The total number of accepted applicants rose by about 3,000. However, funding remains insufficient.

The Senate Agriculture Committee reports that demand historically outpaces resources by up to 3 to 1. Future funding is uncertain as lawmakers debate IRA investments. Proposals may redirect funds away from climate-focused conservation efforts.