NEWS RELEASE

NACD Calls for Immediate Action to Mitigate Effects of Freezes and Layoffs on Conservation Delivery 

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is deeply concerned about the severe impacts recent federal layoffs are having on our nation’s ability to conserve the natural resources that sustain us all. 

“NACD is very concerned about the loss of local staff and technical capacity in conservation districts across the country due to recent executive actions,” said NACD Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Peters. “Our hearts go out to the staff whose careers have been impacted. The current funding freeze will have long-term effects on farmers and ranchers. There is tremendous uncertainty right now, and we risk losing an entire generation of farmers if they are unable to access funding that Congress has authorized to conserve our nation’s soil and water resources that provide us all with food and water. Natural resources conservation is critical for our nation’s health, wealth, and security and delivery must continue before it is too late.” 

The recent terminations of over 1,000 federal employees and the termination of agreements that fund the staff of cooperating partner organizations are having a significant impact on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and conservation districts nationwide. These positions, many located in rural and remote communities, provide important services to farmers, ranchers, and forest stewards across the country.  

NRCS and conservation district offices are already operating leanly and efficiently, with staff covering multiple counties in some areas. The recent terminations disrupt the quality and timeliness of the technical assistance provided to farmers and ranchers. The loss of qualified employees is also exacerbating service backlogs. As USDA continues processing 2025 Farm Bill program applications, offices are facing growing queues for technical assistance and enrollment support.  

“These actions erode producers’ trust and confidence in our nation’s locally led, voluntary conservation delivery system,” said NACD President Gary Blair. “The loss of these employees is a considerable setback. It takes years to recruit, hire, and train dedicated individuals with a passion for public service and the specialized skills needed to provide high quality technical assistance to producers. NACD calls on USDA and Congress to take immediate action to mitigate the long-term effects on vital Farm Bill conservation programs and ensure that critical support continues for America’s producers.” 

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About the National Association of Conservation Districts: 

The National Association of Conservation Districts is the nonprofit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state and territory associations and the 17,000 individuals who serve on their governing boards. For more than 80 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. For more information about NACD, visit: www.nacdnet.org.