U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds agricultural producers seeking federal crop insurance they must have their Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form, commonly called Form AD-1026, on file with their local USDA service center by June 1, 2015.

 Many farmers have their certification form on file meeting conservation compliance provisions since it is required for participation in other USDA programs, including NRCS conservation programs.  But producers, like specialty crop growers who receive federal crop insurance premium subsidies and do not participate in other USDA programs, must now file a certification form with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

 “Most producers already have a certification form on file, but we want to ensure all producers interested in USDA benefits take the steps to be eligible,” said Eric B. Banks, Kansas NRCS State Conservationist.  “We want to make sure producers interested in crop insurance know of the upcoming June 1, 2015, deadline.  We encourage you to contact your local USDA service center to ensure you are in compliance.” 

Producers should visit their local USDA service center before the June 1 deadline to ask questions, get additional information, or learn more about conservation compliance procedures.  Producers that file their form by the deadline will be eligible for federal crop insurance premium subsidies during the 2016 reinsurance year, which begins July 1, 2015.  The June 1 deadline does not apply to producers seeking benefits from FSA and NRCS programs.

Additional information on conservation compliance is available at nrcs.usda.gov/compliance, including a Five Steps to Meet Conservation Compliance guide and answers to frequently asked questions.