Conservation Activity Plan (CAP) Consulting Services Application
As part of our Organic Carolina Initiative, CFSA offers consultation services through the NRCS Conservation
Activities Program.
The CAP process includes: a discussion of the farmer’s objectives; a farm resource inventory; identification of
resource concerns; selection of best options for addressing resource concerns and an analysis of impacts of
options on soil and water quality. After completion of a CAP, producers can then apply for financial assistance to
implement the needed conservation practices.
CAP 104 - Nutrient Management
A nutrient management plan is a record of how nutrients will be managed for plant production and to address the
environmental concerns related to the off-site movement of nutrients from agricultural fields.
Producers receive: soils maps and appropriate soil descriptions; resource assessment results to include wind and
water erosion, water availability, soil fertility and others that may be needed; complete hard copy of the plan
which documents conservation practices showing the planned amount, fields where the practice is to be applied,
and the anticipated year of application.
CAP 138 – Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition
A Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition documents decisions by producers/growers who agree to
implement a system of conservation practices that assist the producer to transition from conventional farming or
ranching systems to an organic production system. Relevant practices may include: the establishment of soilbuilding rotations; establishment of field borders and buffers; beneficial and wildlife habitat; organic nutrient
management and cover cropping.
Producers receive: soils and farm maps and a farm conservation activity plan for the transition period. An outline
of practices that address the transitional resource concerns identified by the producer and serve as the basis for
the organic farm plans required by NOP, including plans for soil management, rotational plan, buffer
requirements, IPM, and more.
CAP 146 – Pollinator Habitat Enhancement
A pollinator habitat enhancement plan is a site-specific conservation plan that addresses the improvement,
restoration, enhancement, expansion of flower-rich habitat that supports native and/or managed pollinators.
Producers receive: Conservation plan map; soils map; resources concerns addressed by the conservation plan;
contingency plans for harsh winter conditions, drought, fire flooding and other extraordinary events; hard copy of
the conservation plan with the planned conservation practices and the site specific specifications in NRCS
approved job sheets, planned practice amounts, fields where the practice is to be applied, and the anticipated
year of application; resource assessment results to include wind and water erosion, habitat assessments, soil
fertility, soil quality, and others that may be needed.
Updated 1/7/2014
APPLY FOR CFSA ASSISTANCE
1. Apply to CFSA by filling out this application and emailing it to Keith Baldwin, CFSA's Farm Services Coordinator.
This is a rolling application, addressed in the order received with preference given to CFSA members.
2. Apply to NRCS for CAP plan of choice, naming CFSA as the technical service provider. CFSA will be issued a check
for full services and then reimburse the farmer for the remainder after the service fee is paid. Essentially, farmers
earn money to have these plans written.
Reimbursement process and rates
CAPs are paid for by the NRCS. CFSA’s fee covers staff time and travel and will be deducted from the NRCS
reimbursement, as will any associated laboratory fees (e.g. soil, waste, plant samples). The remainder of the
reimbursement will be remitted to the farmer within 30 days of payment by NRCS to CFSA.
CAP Plan
Total Reimbursement Rate
CFSA’s Fee
(deducted from reimbursement)
CAP 104 – Nutrient Management,
less than 100 acres
CAP 104 – Nutrient Management,
100 acres or more
CAP 138 – Organic Transition
CAP 146 – Pollinator Enhancement
$1665.53 or $1998.63 for
historically underserved
populations, as defined by NRCS
$1665.53 or $1998.63 for
historically underserved
populations, as defined by NRCS
$1632.52 or $1959.02 for
historically underserved
populations as defined by NRCS
$2224.53 or $2669.44 for
historically underserved
populations as defined by NRCS
$1,100, plus associated lab fees
$1,100, plus additional charge based
on total acreage and associated lab
fees
$1,100, plus associated lab fees
$1,600, plus associated lab fees
Updated 1/7/2014
Conservation Activity Plan (CAP) Consulting Services Application
Please return to Keith Baldwin, CFSA’s Farm Services Coordinator:
CFSA ATTN: Keith Baldwin | PO Box 448 | Pittboro, NC 27312 | keith@carolinafarmstewards.org
Name Enter your first and last name here.
Mailing Address Enter your physical address, including Street, City, State and Zip Code.
Phone XXX-XXX-XXXX
Email Enter your email address here.
County Enter your county here.
Are you currently a member of CFSA? Answer yes or no.
Are you willing to become a member of CFSA? Answer yes or no.
(CFSA members receive priority)
Which Conservation Activity Plan are you applying for?*
(Please check one)
☐ CAP 104 – Nutrient Management
☐ CAP 138 – Organic Transition
☐ CAP 146 – Pollinator Habitat
Are you currently certified organic? How many acres?
Click here to enter text.
Are you currently farming conventionally but in transition to organic? How many acres?
Click here to enter text.
Are you currently farming conventionally but thinking about transitioning to organic? How many acres?
Click here to enter text.
Do you have an USDA FSA farm number? Are you willing to share FSA farm information with CFSA?
Click here to enter text.
Updated 1/7/2014
Are you presently taking part or have you ever taken part in NRCS EQIP programs?
Click here to enter text.
Is your farmland in crops? Livestock? Mixed crops/ livestock?
Click here to enter text.
Describe your cropping “mix” here:
Click here to enter text.
Briefly describe your current rotation plan?
Click here to enter text.
Do you have natural resource quality concerns on your farm?
Click here to enter text.
Questions? Contact Keith Baldwin, CFSA Farm Services Coordinator at 919-542-2402 (main office), 919.302.3871
(cell) or email him at keith@carolinafarmstewards.org.
Updated 1/7/2014