New CASP Tool Helps Almond Growers Navigate NRCS Conservation Funding

California almond growers have a new advantage when it comes to pursuing conservation funding. The Almond Board of California (ABC) recently added a feature to the California Almond Stewardship Platform (CASP) that helps streamline early interactions with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), specifically for those applying to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

The new CSP report within CASP is designed to translate on-farm practices into NRCS-recognized conservation practice codes. While it doesn’t replace the official CSP application paperwork, the report provides growers with a summary of their current sustainability practices, making it easier to begin productive conversations with local NRCS conservationists.

Developed in collaboration with SureHarvest and the NRCS, this update enhances the functionality of CASP, a tool already widely used by almond growers for self-assessment and improvement planning. By offering a clearer picture of current conservation efforts, the report can help identify eligibility for CSP funding as well as other NRCS-supported programs.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a USDA initiative that provides financial and technical support to growers who implement or maintain sustainable practices. Eligible practices include cover cropping, hedgerow planting, reduced tillage, dust control on farm roads, and improvements in nutrient and irrigation management.

Many growers are already practicing these conservation methods without realizing they may qualify for CSP incentives. The new CASP-generated report makes it easier to document those efforts in a format that aligns with NRCS expectations.

Growers are still encouraged to contact their local NRCS offices to confirm application deadlines and funding availability, which can vary by region and year. Early outreach can help growers prepare successful applications and maximize the benefits of participating in federal conservation programs.

Beyond the CSP report, CASP offers a range of tools to support almond growers, including irrigation and nitrogen calculators, benchmarking comparisons, and data-sharing features. These tools not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to broader industry sustainability goals.

To explore the updated CASP platform and its new CSP report, visit the California Almond Stewardship Platform. For more information on NRCS programs and to start the CSP application process, visit the USDA NRCS website.