NRCS Opens ACEP Funding for Kentucky Landowners

By Blake Jackson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is inviting Kentucky landowners, farmers, land trusts, and eligible organizations to apply for funding through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

The program supports efforts to conserve agricultural land, protect working farms and ranches, and restore or improve wetlands through conservation easements.

Kentucky applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by September 25, 2026, to be considered for funding during the current funding cycle. Although NRCS accepts ACEP applications throughout the year, submissions received after the deadline will be considered in the following cycle. Awards are made through a competitive funding process.

Recent federal legislation, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), provides more than $34 billion for NRCS conservation programs through fiscal year 2031. Of that amount, $4.05 billion is designated for ACEP, providing increased resources for agricultural conservation and environmental protection.

“This valuable program helps maintain the agricultural viability of the land for future generations,” said NRCS Kentucky State Conservationist, Eric Allness.

“Kentucky’s farmlands are an essential part of the state’s identity and economic makeup. We must do all that we can to preserve them.”

ACEP can help protect agricultural land by limiting non-agricultural activities that could threaten farming operations or conservation benefits. The program also supports the restoration and conservation of eligible grazing lands and wetlands.

Through ACEP, Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) help protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches, while Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) support the protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetlands that have been degraded by agricultural activities.

Interested applicants can learn more by contacting their local NRCS Kentucky field office or USDA Service Center. They may also contact easement specialist Brad Brown at Bradley.brown@usda.gov or 270-821-4430 for additional information about the application process.

Photo Credit: usda-nrcs