Funding for this program includes incentives for the implementation of the following practices:

• Compost (CPS 336/CDFA CPS 808)

• No till / Reduced tillage (CPS 329 & 345)

• High Tunnels (CPS 325)

• Cover Cropping (CPS 340)

NRCS Conservation Practice Standards are documents that define the minimum technical criteria required to plan, design, install, operate, and maintain conservation practices to ensure they achieve their intended natural resource benefits. These standards cover a wide range of activities, including irrigation water management, heavy use area protection, composting facilities, and nutrient management, addressing concerns related to soil, water, air, plants, animals, and energy.

You can read the specs for each practice at the USDA website (open links below by clicking on the practice name).

• Compost (CPS 336) / CDFA (CPS 808)

• No till (CPS 329) / Reduced tillage (CPS 345)

• High Tunnels (CPS 325)

• Cover Cropping (CPS 340)

Once enrolled in the program, access to these documents will be available through Heavy Connect.

Compost can be purchased from any local compost facility, compost must have the US Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance Program (STA) or use an alternative NRCS- or State-approved certification program that considers laboratory performance and proficiency.

In California, while compost operations do not need to meet NRCS practice standards, composting activities are primarily regulated by CalRecycle, the State Water Resources Control Board, and local Air Districts. CA

The key point is that NRCS focuses on the quality of the finished compost product (testing assurance, carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, contaminant levels) rather than on certifying the facilities themselves.

To calculate compost volume in cropland or orchard you can use the compost calculator here.

A lab test (provided by the facility) of the compost blend you’ll be using is a requirement for this incentive if your field is involved. The lab analysis confirms your compost is safe and suitable for food crop production. The analysis tests for pathogens, heavy metals, and contaminants that could harm your crops or consumers. Under FDA FSMA and NRCS standards, compost must meet quality criteria verified by the US Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance Program or equivalent certification. The analysis also shows carbon-to-nitrogen ratios and nutrient content, helping you apply compost at the right rate for your soil and crops. Without verification, you cannot document that your compost source meets food safety requirements.

To support your success, we offer optional virtual check-ins and office hours where you can ask questions and troubleshoot challenges. If you prefer hands-on assistance, we can arrange optional on-site visits to your farm. For soil testing, you have the option to drop off samples at our facility, or we can provide guidance on using certified labs in your area. These resources are designed to make implementing NRCS practices straightforward and achievable.
We've built Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) modules directly into Heavy Connect to guide you through implementation. These modules include step-by-step tutorials that walk you through each practice.

EE CPA-52 is USDA's Environmental Evaluation requirement that assesses environmental impacts of your farming operation, including soil health, water quality, and pest management practices. It's required under the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program to ensure your operation meets environmental stewardship standards and qualifies for program benefits and incentives.
We’ll work together to gather all necessary info and sending it for review and approval to the NRCS to get all enrolled farms a fast turnaround for this required documentation.

Participants will receive two years of access to Heavy Connect, a platform that supports food safety practices, verification, and traceability. When implementing practices you will be able to upload documentation required to the HC dashboard, tutorials and NRCS CPS modules to follow practices standards.

Once farm is enrolled by signing the Beneficiary Agreement and onboarded into Heavy Connect, participants will receive 50% (or $5k) paid to farmer for all practices except equipment and high tunnels, which we can pay 80% upfront to help cover the cost.

If paying for equipment, you can request the full $20k in year 1, but would still need 2 years of reporting.

Once farmer uploads photos / receipts to Heavy Connect to verify practice you’ll receive the remaining $$ paid to farmer once verification is received  

Invoicing and payments are processed via Ramp app