Understanding Your Conservation PLan for EQIP, CSP, and Cost - Share Participants
Thursday, October 9, 2025 • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Johnston Memorial Library - Library Training Center - Room 123 - 1 Hayden Drive Petersburg, VA, 23806
Why Understanding Your Conservation Plan Matters
For EQIP & CSP Participants
If you’ve been awarded a contract through EQIP or CSP, your conservation plan is more than just paperwork — it’s your roadmap to compliance, success, and long-term stewardship. But many participants struggle to fully interpret or implement it. That’s where education and this hands-on workshop come in.
🔍 Common Problems Farmers and Landowners Face:
1. Not Understanding Technical Language
Many plans are written with NRCS terms, codes (like “590 Nutrient Management”), and acronyms that can confuse producers.
2. Misinterpreting Practice Requirements
Producers may misunderstand the timeline, design specs, or performance expectations — leading to delays or ineligible practices.
3. Overwhelmed by Documentation
Not knowing what to track, report, or verify during implementation can risk losing payments or contract termination.
4. Lack of Follow-up Support
Once the plan is developed and the contract is signed, producers sometimes feel alone in figuring out what’s next.
5. Confusion About Modifications
Conditions change — weather, land use, finances. But many participants don’t know how to properly request changes or what will trigger a contract revision.
6. Not Using the Plan for Long-Term Planning
Some participants see the plan as a short-term checklist, rather than a tool to support soil health, profitability, and resilience.
🛠️ How this Workshop Can Help:
This hands-on session can:
• Break down the structure of a conservation plan in plain language
• Explain common EQIP & CSP practices with real-life visuals and examples
• Help farmers understand their implementation schedule and cost-share process
• Show how to maintain documentation and submit proper verification
• Discuss how to request plan updates and avoid compliance issues
• Foster peer-to-peer support and local resource networking
• Empower producers to connect the plan with their own farm goals — profitability, sustainability, succession planning, etc.
Workshop Takeaways:
• Clear understanding of your current plan
• Tools to track practices, deadlines, and payments
• Confidence in communicating with NRCS or conservation partners
• Steps to request changes or technical support
• Resources for equipment, contractors, and technical assistance
Bring your Conservation Plan to this event and gain greater understanding!
For more information, contact Tabitha Bugg at 804.892.2997 or tbugg@vsu.edu.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.