Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)

The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), offers financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to repair and restore farmland affected by natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, wildfires, drought, and other calamities. ECP helps farmers and ranchers implement emergency conservation measures to rehabilitate damaged land, restore agricultural production, and prevent further environmental degradation.

Program Features:

• Covered Practices:
  • Removing debris from farmland.
  • Grading, shaping, or leveling land.
  • Restoring permanent fences.
  • Restoring conservation structures.
  • Implementing emergency water conservation measures during severe drought.
• Payment Rates: ECP provides cost-share assistance of up to 75% of the cost of approved conservation practices. Limited resource producers may be eligible for up to 90% cost-share.
• Funding: 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.

Additional ECP Benefits:

• Quick Response: ECP provides prompt assistance to address immediate conservation needs following a disaster, helping producers quickly restore their operations.
• Environmental Protection: By addressing disaster-related damage, ECP helps prevent further environmental degradation and promotes the long-term sustainability of agricultural land.
• Economic Stability: ECP helps producers recover from the financial impact of natural disasters, supporting the economic stability of rural communities.

How to Enroll: To apply for the Emergency Conservation Program, producers must submit a request for assistance to their local FSA office. 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 or the official USDA website.

Eligibility: Eligible applicants include farmers and ranchers who have suffered damage to their farmland due to natural disasters. The damage must significantly impair the land’s agricultural productivity or pose a threat to land or water resources.

Official Program Page

ECP Fact Sheet

FSA Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool

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Farmers.gov Protection & Recovery

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Farmers.gov Conservation Information

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Farmers.gov Conservation Information

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