The USDA’s 2026 budget proposal includes a major cut to Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA), reducing discretionary funding from $776.5 million to zero and slashing NRCS staff by nearly a third.
While some mandatory and IRA-based funding for technical assistance remains, the USDA plans to shift more responsibility to state agencies and local conservation groups, raising concerns about the ripple effects on broader conservation efforts.
Critics, including conservation advocates and local officials, warn the cuts could cripple program participation by removing essential, on-the-ground support farmers rely on to navigate complex requirements.
Although funding for conservation programs like EQIP and CSP is set to rise due to IRA funds, the lack of technical support could hinder their effectiveness and outreach. The proposed reorganization is currently paused by court rulings requiring Congressional approval.
Photo Credit: The USDA
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