Virginia and Kentucky Landowners: FY2027 Conservation Funding Deadlines

What is happening?

On August 27, 2026, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service published two state-level funding announcements for Fiscal Year 2027 conservation assistance. One covers Virginia programs with an October 30, 2026 signup deadline. The other covers Kentucky's Agricultural Conservation Easement Program with a September 25, 2026 deadline.

Applications may be accepted after these dates, but late applications generally move to the next funding cycle rather than the current one.

Virginia — apply by October 30, 2026

Virginia NRCS is accepting applications for FY2027 consideration in several conservation programs.

The October 30 deadline applies to:

• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
• The Regenerative Pilot Program
• Two Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) projects: the Virginia Headwaters Restoration Initiative and Preserving Working Farms and Securing Urban Ag

Applications are accepted year-round, but producers who want FY2027 consideration should apply by October 30, 2026.

Who may be affected in Virginia?

This announcement may be relevant to Virginia farmers, ranchers, agricultural landowners, and forestland owners considering conservation practices, easements, or participation in eligible RCPP projects.

Action required in Virginia

Producers should contact Virginia NRCS or their local USDA Service Center, identify the appropriate program, complete the necessary conservation planning and application process, and submit by October 30, 2026 for the current FY2027 funding cycle.

Kentucky — apply by September 25, 2026

Kentucky NRCS opened the current funding cycle for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Applications submitted by September 25, 2026 will be considered in the current cycle. Later applications automatically move to the next funding cycle.

The opportunity includes two easement types:

• Agricultural Land Easements (ALE), which can limit non-agricultural uses of working farms and ranches
• Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), which can protect, restore, or enhance qualifying wetlands

Who may be affected in Kentucky?

This may be relevant to Kentucky private or Tribal landowners with cropland, grassland, working farms and ranches, or qualifying wetlands who are considering long-term conservation easements.

Action required in Kentucky

Landowners interested in the current ACEP funding cycle should contact the local Kentucky NRCS field office or USDA Service Center and begin the easement application process before September 25, 2026.

Because ACEP can impose long-term or permanent land-use restrictions, families should also evaluate ownership authority and the effect on future land use before committing to an easement.

Where should the information be verified?

Landowners should verify eligibility, program requirements, available funding, and deadlines directly with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Virginia or Kentucky, or with their local USDA Service Center.

Program eligibility and funding are determined by USDA. Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.