USDA Update:  Form Requirement for Conservation Program Eligibility Determination

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[February 23, 2021]    CCC-902 Form - USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is informing producers and landowners that they must have form CCC-902, the Farm Operating Plan form on file with USDA and receive a determination of eligibility if they are participating or applying to participate in certain NRCS conservation programs.

NRCS and FSA have joint responsibility to administer program payment eligibility and payment limitation requirements. To facilitate meeting these requirements, FSA is contacting producers or landowners who are currently participating in NRCS programs and do not have a CCC-902 form on file.

Historically, to participate, legal entities could file either the CCC-901 (Member Information form) or the CCC-902, while individuals were not specifically required to file the CCC-902 with FSA. Now, to ensure FSA and NRCS are using consistent information about a producer or landowner’s operation, all participants, including legal entities and individuals, must file the CCC-902 and receive a determination of eligibility to maintain eligibility for certain NRCS conservation programs.

These changes do not affect applicants or participants that already have a Form CCC-902 and received a determination of eligibility from FSA.

Participants with an existing contract or agreement that do not have a CCC-902 on file with FSA will be mailed a letter in the coming weeks, providing information on how to file the form. The letter provides options for electronic or in-person submission and requests that the form be completed within 30 days of receipt of the letter.

Fiscal year 2021 is considered a transition year to ensure all NRCS program participants can meet this updated filing requirement. Beginning in fiscal year 2022, eligibility to continue to receive payments may be affected if the required form is not on file.

Additional information is available in NRCS National Bulletin 300-21-7 and FSA Notice PL-293.

NRCS and FSA staff are available at USDA Service Centers nationwide to provide applicants and participants with information and assistance to meet this filing requirement.

Virtual Conservation Sessions A Success

The Conservation Cropping Seminars for 2021 were held virtually and although the planning and coordination were very different, it appears the online version was a success. It was a different process and it required some new partners and new tools to make it all happen, but we reached more people—and different people—because of the new format.

Three two-hour events were held using a digital online platform on January 20th, January 28th, and February 4th. The events were free for participants and offered farmers and students a variety of technical discussions and speakers promoting conservation solutions, soil health improvements, and experience/research on the use of cover crops.

Getting quality speakers and presenters to be part of the three events was actually easier because it required less of their time and no travel whatsoever.

The Planning Committee is still reviewing registrations and evaluations, but Rennecker feels confident the 2021 events easily had two or three times the number of participants they’ve typically reached over the last 7 years. One thing was for sure that when we held in-person events, we did NOT have participants from Ethiopia or New York State. So it’s safe to say we’ve broadened our reach beyond just Illinois farmers.

The Planning Committee sends thanks and appreciation to all the state and federal agencies, organizations, farmers, speakers, and especially University of Illinois Extension, who hosted all online events and videotaped all sessions online for future viewing.

If you missed one—or all of the 2021 Conservation Cropping Seminar events--please take advantage of the postings and enjoy the information online: https://www.youtube.com/
playlist?list=PLIq7XlTOe3ali-tWzx08L1C_dMW3eMeAM . See if these speakers and discussions help you make the decision to incorporate new conservation solutions on your farm.

To learn more about each session and all sponsors involved or to be part of the 2022 event, visit www.ccswcd.org or call your local USDA NRCS or SWCD office. Start the conservation conversation today!

Questions?
Please contact your local County Service Center.

[USDA Farm Service Agency]

 

 

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