USDA Seeks Input on Endless Conservation Contract Forms
Published Date: 2/27/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on its paperwork rules for long-term conservation contracts. Farmers and landowners who join these programs get help to protect their land but must follow certain rules. Comments are open until March 31, 2025, and the goal is to make the process easier and clearer without adding extra hassle or costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal cost-share payments for conservation
If you enter a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) long-term conservation contract as an owner or operator, you agree to apply the conservation treatments in the conservation plan. In return, federal technical and financial long-term cost‑sharing assistance is available and federal financial assistance payments are made to the land user or third party upon successful application of the conservation treatment.
Paperwork burden: 5,390 respondents, 3,059 hours
NRCS will collect information using several agency forms to administer long-term contracting programs. The notice states there are 5,390 respondents with a total burden of 3,059 hours and a reporting frequency of annually or as required.
Agency seeks to reduce paperwork without adding costs
The Department of Agriculture is requesting public feedback to improve the clarity and ease of paperwork for long-term conservation contracts and states its goal is to make the process easier and clearer without adding extra hassle or costs. Comments on this information collection will be considered if received by March 31, 2025.
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