संघीय कार्यरत भूमि संरक्षण कार्यक्रमहरूले प्राकृतिक स्रोतहरूको हेरचाह गर्ने उत्पादकको प्रयासमा महत्त्वपूर्ण भूमिका खेल्छन्। वातावरणीय गुणस्तर प्रोत्साहन कार्यक्रम (EQIP) र संरक्षण भण्डारी कार्यक्रम (CSP) दुवै विशेष प्राथमिकता स्रोत सरोकारहरूलाई लक्षित गर्न डिजाइन गरिएको हो, जसले गर्दा किसान र पशुपालकहरूले गर्ने संरक्षण कार्यले सबैभन्दा बढी आवश्यक पर्ने ठाउँमा प्रभाव पार्छ भन्ने कुरा सुनिश्चित हुन्छ।
Priority resource concerns are tied to categories of natural resources–soil, water, air, plants, and animals. Each year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture determines 17 priority resource concerns, which are passed down to state and regional levels for further prioritization. This flexibility ensures different conservation strategies can be implemented across diverse geographic landscapes.
For example, Nebraska currently prioritizes wind and water erosion, degraded plant condition, and pest pressure, among others. The focus areas are determined by the State Technical Committee, which serves as an advisory committee to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on the implementation of federal conservation programs.
For farmers and ranchers, a knowledge of priority resource concerns isn’t necessary to apply for EQIP or CSP; however, a general understanding can help them set strategic conservation goals to make their application more competitive. To qualify for CSP, producers must have enough existing conservation to satisfy at least two state or regional priority resource concerns, so being familiar with the terms can help gauge initial eligibility.
For more information on priority resource concerns and working lands conservation programs, contact your local NRCS office.
