Programs

There are various State and Federal Programs available to landowners through the USDA-NRCS and Marion County SWCD. Some of the practices of these programs assist with cross fencing, pipeline, watering tanks, erosion, wildlife habitat, and water quality.

	Agricultural Resource Conservation Fund (ARC Fund)The Agricultural Resource Conservation Fund is a program provided by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) to help agricultural producers implement Best Management Practices (BMP’s) that will help improve water quality. Funds for ARC are available annually but are limited to a first come first serve basis. Contact: Cody Brown District Conservationist @ 423-371-1286

	Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority resources concerns. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance—the higher the performance, the higher the payment. Contact: Cody Brown District Conservationist @ 423-371-1286

	Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service offers voluntary Farm Bill conservation programs that benefit agricultural producers and the environment. Contact: Cody Brown District Conservationist @ 423-371-1286