Farm Service Agency & NRCS Conservation Sign-Up

Biochar Coalition is helping landowners simplify the Farm Service Agency and NRCS sign-up process for conservation practices, including forest health, fuels reduction, soil improvement, water conservation, habitat work, and related land stewardship programs.

This intake form helps us understand your parcel, ownership status, FSA tract status, and whether you want to apply individually or allow Biochar Coalition to represent the property through a limited operational conservation lease.

How the Process Works

  1. Complete the intake form below.
    This gives us the basic parcel and ownership information needed to understand whether your property is ready for FSA and NRCS participation.
  2. Confirm whether you already have an FSA tract number.
    If you do not have one, we help assemble the paperwork needed for the Farm Service Agency to establish your tract.
  3. Provide a recent property tax bill.
    This helps verify parcel ownership, assessor information, and the property record connected to the conservation application.
  4. Choose individual application or Biochar Coalition representation.
    You may apply directly as the landowner, or you may authorize Biochar Coalition to represent the property for conservation implementation.
  5. Complete authorization documents.
    Representation requires a Landowner Authorization and Limited Operations Consent Letter, a Limited Operational Use & Conservation Lease Agreement, and the FSA AD-2047 Customer Data Worksheet.
  6. Move into NRCS application paperwork.
    Once the FSA tract number and customer records are established, the CPA-1200 NRCS application can be completed for eligible conservation programs and practices.

Individual Application vs. Biochar Coalition Representation

Option 1: Apply as the landowner.
You remain the primary applicant and are responsible for managing the paperwork, agency coordination, implementation requirements, reporting obligations, and any tax consequences connected to USDA or NRCS payments.

Option 2: Allow Biochar Coalition to represent the property.
Through a limited operational lease and authorization letter, Biochar Coalition can act as the operating conservation representative for eligible work. This does not transfer ownership, does not create residential rights, and does not give Biochar Coalition control of the land beyond the agreed conservation operations.

This structure is designed to reduce the administrative burden on landowners while allowing conservation practices to move forward more efficiently.

Important Tax Liability Notice

USDA program payments, including certain disaster assistance, cost-share assistance, and conservation program payments, are generally treated as taxable income unless a specific exclusion applies. These payments may be reported on Form 1099-G, and participants should review IRS Publication 225, Farmer’s Tax Guide, or consult a qualified tax professional.

Landowners who apply for USDA or NRCS programs directly may become responsible for reporting program payments, documenting expenses, handling 1099-G income, and meeting any related tax obligations. Producers may also be required to complete AGI compliance forms, such as CCC-931 or CCC-933, which authorize IRS verification for USDA eligibility.

When a landowner chooses Biochar Coalition representation through a properly executed limited operational lease and authorization structure, the goal is to simplify implementation by allowing Biochar Coalition to serve as the primary operating party for conservation work where appropriate. In that structure, Biochar Coalition may take on the administrative and fiduciary burden associated with program participation, including coordination, documentation, compliance, and related tax responsibilities tied to our role as operator.

This is not tax advice. Each landowner should speak with a CPA or qualified tax professional before deciding whether to apply individually or authorize representation.

Documents Typically Needed

  1. Recent Property Tax Bill
    Used to verify parcel ownership and assessor information.
  2. Landowner Authorization & Limited Operations Consent Letter
    Allows Biochar Coalition to communicate with FSA and NRCS, assist with applications, coordinate documentation, and act as an authorized conservation representative.
  3. Limited Operational Use & Conservation Lease Agreement
    Allows Biochar Coalition to operate equipment and implement conservation practices. This is not a dwelling agreement and does not grant ownership, tenancy, or residential rights.
  4. AD-2047 Customer Data Worksheet
    Used by FSA to establish or update the USDA customer record.
  5. CPA-1200 NRCS Application
    Completed after the FSA tract number and customer record are established.

Start Here

Please complete the intake form below. Once received, Biochar Coalition will review your information and help determine the next step.

Questions?

Email completed documents or questions to:
Ken@biocharcoalition.org

Call:
530-264-0249

Forest Practices Codes