2015 Georgia Organics ConferenceRecipe for Change

Engaging Veteran Farmers

Bryan Barrett

GA-NRCS

Natural Resources Conservation Service

1

2

Who is NRCS? The Natural Resources

Conservation Service (NRCS) is a Federal agency within the US Department of Agriculture

Created in 1935 during the dust bowl, originally named as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS)

Provide technical and financial assistance to private landowners to help people conserve their natural resources

Natural Resources Conservation Service

3

NRCS is not a regulatory agency

Provide technical assistance in... natural resource planning design & engineering implementation of

techniques used to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and protect natural resources

Natural Resources Conservation Service

4

What is the 2014 Farm Bill?

The Agriculture Act of 2014 (Farm Bill) established the policies and federal funding levels for agriculture, agricultural research, nutrition programs, rural economic development program, and more. Signed by President Obama on

February 7, 2014

Natural Resources Conservation Service

5

2014 Farm Bill

This Farm Bill continues our focus on critical resource concerns – USDA is able to assist farmers, ranchers, non-industrial private forest landowners and other land stewards with addressing the resource issues of today while having the flexibility to address emerging issues.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

6

2014 Farm Bill Forestry Changes

2008 Farm Bill 2014 Farm Bill

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Partnership

Easement

Financial Assistance

7

General Program Eligibility USDA Records Established? Farm Number Tract Number Crops Reported Filed/Update AD-1026 (Highly Erodible Land and

Wetland Conservation Certification) Filed/Update CCC-931 (Payment Eligibility Average

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Certification) Filed/Updated CCC-902 (Farm Operating Plan for

Payment Eligibility Review)Natural Resources Conservation Service

Land Eligibility(Program Specific)

Land Eligibility:

- Cropping history (FSA records, tax records)

- Record keeping (nutrient/pest applied, crops planted etc.)

- Irrigation history (2 out 5 years)

- Animals present (cows, goats, etc.)

Goal is to address a resource concern(s):

- soil, water, air, animal, plants, humans

8

Natural Resources Conservation Service

9

5 Steps to Assistance

1. Planning – Visit local NRCS office and work with staff on a conservation plan

2. Application – With the help of NRCS, complete an application

3. Eligibility - Find out you’re eligibility for NRCS financial assistance

4. Ranking - NRCS ranks applications according to local resource concerns

5. Implementing – Put conservation to work, sign a contract and implement the conservation practices

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Supporting our Veteran Farmers

10

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Services receive preference for NRCS conservation programs offered in the 2014 Farm Bill. These voluntary conservation programs benefit both agricultural producers and the environment, and include financial and technical assistance as well as easements.

11

Veteran Farmers Eligibility

Meets the definition of a Beginning Farmer or Rancher

Hasn’t operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 consecutive years

Was discharged or released, under conditions other than dishonorable, from the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, its reserve components and the National Guard

12

Veteran Preferences and Priorities

Qualify for a payment rate equivalent to 90% of regional average amount

Eligible for Advance Payments on structural practices up to 50% of contracted cost

Application is more competitive

For additional information Contact:

Bryan Barrett706-546-2039

Visit the GA NRCS website: www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,

Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

13