Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE)
USDA NRCS
⚠️ Important: Verify with your local USDA office
Deadlines listed here are sourced from official USDA, NRCS, and FSA publications but may vary by state and are subject to change — especially given recent agency restructuring. Always confirm dates and program availability with your local USDA service center before planning your application.
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USDA. Information is provided for educational purposes only.
Funding Amount
Up to 50% of fair market value
Deadline (most states)
Rolling / Open year-round
ACEP-ALE applications come from eligible entities (land trusts, state or local governments) working with landowners. NRCS accepts them year-round, and many states have set FY2027 ranking dates this fall.
Last checked September 24, 2026 against the official source.
About This Program
Protects working farmland by purchasing agricultural land easements. Keeps productive farmland in agriculture.
Who's Eligible
- ✓ Eligible entities (land trusts, state/local governments) working with landowners
Deadlines by State
This program has different dates in different states. Check yours below:
| State | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Maine | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 18, 2026 |
| New Jersey | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 18, 2026 |
| New York | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 18, 2026 |
| North Dakota | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 18, 2026 |
| Wisconsin | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 18, 2026 |
| Alabama | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 25, 2026 |
| Iowa | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 25, 2026 |
| Kentucky | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 25, 2026 |
| Vermont | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 25, 2026 |
| South Dakota | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 29, 2026 |
| Connecticut | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 30, 2026 |
| Idaho | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 30, 2026 |
| Louisiana | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 30, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 30, 2026 |
| Rhode Island | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 30, 2026 |
| South Carolina | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: September 30, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: October 1, 2026 |
| Montana | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: October 2, 2026 |
| Georgia | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: October 9, 2026 |
| Nevada | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: October 15, 2026 |
| Delaware | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: October 16, 2026 |
| New Hampshire | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: October 16, 2026 |
| West Virginia | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: October 16, 2026 |
| Massachusetts | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: October 23, 2026 |
| Florida | October 30, 2026 |
| North Carolina | October 30, 2026 |
| Virginia | October 30, 2026 |
| Maryland | November 13, 2026 |
| Texas | November 13, 2026 |
| Kansas | November 20, 2026 |
| Tennessee | November 20, 2026 |
| Indiana | December 18, 2026 |
| Washington | December 18, 2026 |
| Alaska | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Arizona | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Arkansas | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| California | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Colorado | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Hawaii | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Illinois | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Michigan | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Minnesota | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Mississippi | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Missouri | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Nebraska | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| New Mexico | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Ohio | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Oregon | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Utah | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
| Wyoming | Next window not announced yet. Last deadline: January 15, 2026 |
Get reminded about this deadline
We'll email you once, about two weeks before this program's next deadline, plus one email a month with the deadlines for your state.
Related Programs
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE)
Restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land through conservation easements.
Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP)
Restores and enhances forest ecosystems through easements and financial assistance for threatened and endangered species habitat.