Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced the Increased TSP Access Act. This bill will address the shortage of Technical Service Providers (TSPs) who help farmers and ranchers access U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs. U.S. Representative James Baird (R-Ind.) introduced companion legislation in the House.
“As Colorado faces a future that’s going to be hotter and drier, we need to make it easier to access USDA conservation programs. But red tape and understaffing at the NRCS make these programs difficult for Coloradans to apply to,” said Bennet. “The future of rural America depends on whether the next generation decides to continue their family farms and ranches – and to protect that future, the Increased TSP Access Act makes assistance more accessible and helps conservation programs live up to their potential.”
“Idaho’s farmers and ranchers actively participate in conservation efforts to enhance the environment and preserve the long-term viability of our agriculture industry,” said Crapo. “Their success depends on access to third-party technical service providers who have a wide range of scientific disciplines necessary for addressing water, soil, air quality, crop nutrients and other components critical for conservation. Increasing access to TSPs is vital for the industry.”
“Increasing the amount of Technical Service Providers is a commonsense approach that moves us toward our goal by cutting red tape that’s holding back farm participation in NRCS programs,” said Marshall. “Certified Crop Advisors and other similar professionals are already equipped with the skills necessary to help farmers and ranchers reach a variety of conservation goals. Establishing an expedited pathway to deliver conservation goals, especially as it relates to nutrient management plans, is the free-market answer to increasing agriculture-friendly conservation efforts.”
TSPs are a critical component of USDA conservation programs through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). They provide tailored, one-on-one assistance to help agricultural producers and forest landowners address natural resources concerns regarding soil erosion, water supplies, water quality, grazing management, nutrient management, and forestry plans. To qualify, TSPs must be certified by NRCS to help farmers plan, design, and implement conservation programs. However, given the popularity of these programs, a significant backlog of farmers are waiting for assistance as demand for TSP support continues to outpace supply.
The 2018 Farm Bill enabled the USDA to approve non-federal entities to certify TSPs, but did not specify clear deadlines and lacked certain guardrails for implementation. The Increased TSP Access Act expands on the framework first envisioned in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Specifically, the Increased TSP Access Act would address the TSP shortage by:
- Directing USDA to establish a process to approve non-federal certifying entities within 180 days;
- Streamlining USDA’s TSP certification process to reduce the backlog of conservation plans that farmers need to be written, reviewed and approved; and
- Ensuring that TSPs–who are often paid using conservation program dollars–are paid the fair market rate for their services.
“Thank you to Sens. Crapo and Bennet for introducing this legislation to streamline the TSP certification process,” said Adam Putnam, CEO, Ducks Unlimited. “Ducks Unlimited agronomists and biologists work closely with NRCS to provide technical assistance to landowners and help agricultural producers get the most out of their operation. The Increased TSP Access Act will make voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices more accessible to producers and provide greater flexibility to reach their production and conservation goals.”
Bennet previously introduced the Increased TSP Access Act in 2023.
This bill is supported by: Idaho Farm Bureau, Idaho Dairymen’s Association, Ducks Unlimited, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Milk Producers Federation and North American Millers’ Association.
The text of the bill is available HERE.