Colfax County Farm Service Agency is Accepting Emergency Conservation Program Applications
(Raton, NM), July 6, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Executive Director Kathy Priest today announced that Colfax County is accepting applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from the Cooks Peak wildfire. ECP signup began on July 6, 2022, and will end on September 3, 2022.
The approved ECP practices under this authorization include Debris removal from farmland, grading, shaping, releveling or similar measures, replacing or restoring permanent fences, restoring conservation structures, drought emergency measures, field windbreaks and farmstead shelterbelts emergency measures.
ECP assists producers with the recovery cost to restore the farmland to pre-disaster conditions. Approved ECP applicants may receive up to 75 percent of the cost of approved restoration activity. Limited resource, socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers and ranchers may receive up to 90 percent cost-share.
“Dealing with natural disasters is never easy, especially when you have to consider the health and safety of livestock, but it’s important for producers to call our office before they take any action,” said Priest.
Producers with damage from such events must apply for assistance prior to beginning reconstructive work. FSA’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and environmental compliance review process is required to be completed before any actions are taken. Submitting an application after reconstructive work has been completed may not qualify for ECP.
