You might not know this, but there are USDA Conservation Programs for every type of farmer - including you!

Imagine if you could earn money while making your land healthier and more productive… 

That’s EXACTLY what the USDA conservation programs are designed for. 

Implementing environmentally friendly practices that benefit the earth and your business are good for everyone involved… plus the USDA loves it. 

Here’s a few of those programs: 

• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) — Earn annual payments for conservation activities like cover cropping, pollinator habitats, and sustainable grazing systems.
• EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) — Receive funding to install conservation practices such as composting systems, drip irrigation, or erosion control.
• Urban Agriculture and Innovation Program — City-based growers can access grants for rooftop gardens, compost hubs, and more!

It’s not just about going green—it’s about putting more green in your wallet while improving your land.

At NSI, we help you identify which conservation practices qualify, estimate your funding potential, and walk you through the application process.

Want healthier soil and a healthier bank account? USDA conservation programs could be your next best investment. Send us a message and let’s get started. 

Are you effectively preparing your farming enterprise before storms hit? Or waiting until the last minute and suffering the consequences? 

Here’s the harsh reality: 

If the disaster has struck, it’s too late to start filling out paperwork .

And you know your area - if it’s a region that’s prone to hurricanes, droughts, floods or unexpected freezes, you need to prepare yourself so you don’t lose everything you’ve worked so hard for. 

USDA offers several programs designed to protect your farm and help you recover from disaster. Here's what you should know:

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) — Offers cost-share funding to help you restore land, fencing, and structures damaged by natural disasters.

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) — Provides financial compensation for livestock deaths due to extreme weather, disease, or attacks by predators.

Tree Assistance Program (TAP) — If you lose orchard trees or bushes, TAP can help you replant and recover.

Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) — Protects crops that aren't typically covered by traditional insurance. You must enroll early in the season to be eligible!

At NSI, we’ll help you register in advance so that when the unexpected happens, you’re not starting from zero or rushing around in a panic trying to fix the disaster once it’s already struck. 

If you're not covered, you're not protected. 

Send us a message and let’s get you enrolled in the right programs. 

When’s the last time you thought about American Veterans and their families? 
 
Even if they’re not crossing your mind on a daily basis, you need to know that they’re the backbone of our nation. 
 
And frankly, they deserve all of the gratitude in the world for fighting for our freedom and democracy. 
 
Something we really admire about US Veterans is their tenacity and ability to face unimaginable challenges and persevere despite any setbacks they may encounter along the way. 
 
That’s why here at NSI we make it a priority to serve our Vets and help them to create lasting impact in their careers after they come home. 
 
We believe that Veterans deserve the resources and opportunities they really need to create a life they can be proud of. 
 
Happy National Veterans and Military Families Month.

Applying for the ERP-2 is *REALLY* important. Here’s why ⬇️
 
It can be really difficult for small and medium sized farmers to get an overdraft from a bank or a loan. 
 
So, when disaster strikes and they’re not sure where to turn next, relief programs are key to help. 
 
And because those enterprises aren’t huge, those disasters wreak havoc on the entire place, causing a loss in product and revenue. 
 
All around, a terrible situation. 
 
A program like the ERP-2, designed to help farmers get relief after suffering from qualifying disasters in 2020 and 2021, is essential for helping farmers to get back on their feet. 
 
At NSI, we know how important this is. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way. 
 
The deadline to apply is July 14, 2023.
 
Send us a message or call 954-434-8220 to learn more about this Emergency Relief Program and how we can help you recover from a disaster.  

Hey farmers, have you heard of ERP-2?
 
ERP Phase 2 is a tax-year-based certification program that provides assistance for producers who suffered a loss in revenue due to necessary expenses associated with loss of eligible crops due to a disaster event. 
 
If your enterprise suffered a loss in 2020 or 2021, you may be eligible for the ERP-2 program. 
 
We know how hard it can be for small and medium sized farmers to bounce back from loss like this. We also know how hard it can be to get an overdraft from a bank or loan. 
 
This program was put into place to help farmers like you to rebuild their farm to pay for resources and labor. 
 
The enrollment deadline has been extended to  July 14, 2023. 
 
Make sure to apply before then to take advantage of this program! 
 
And if you need help with the application process, send us a message. We’ll be there to help every step of the way. 

Curious if you’re eligible to apply for the ERP-2 Relief Program? 
 
We’re breaking it all down for you right here. 
 
The ERP-2 is a tax-year-based certification program that provides assistance for producers who suffered a loss in revenue due to necessary expenses associated with losses of eligible crops due to disaster events that occurred in 2020 or 2021. 
 
Keep reading to see if you’re eligible ⬇️
 
🌾 You’re a farmer 
🌾 You suffered a loss in 2020 or 2021 
🌾 You’re a US citizen, resident alien, a corporation, an LLC or some other organizational structure, an Indian Tribe or Tribal Organization 
🌾 You have sales receipts and/or Profit or Loss tax documents for your Farm
 
If this is you and you’re ready to apply for the program, don’t wait! 
 
The deadline to apply is June 2, 2023. 
 
Send us a message or call 954-434-8220 and we’ll help you every step of the way. 

Are you a farmer who’s interested in the ERP-2 program, but you’re not sure how to apply? 
 
Read this, we’ll walk you through it. 
 
Here at NSI, we understand how intimidating it can be to go down to the FSA Office to apply, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult process. 
 
The ERP-2 is a tax-year-based certification program that provides assistance for producers who suffered a loss in revenue due to necessary expenses associated with losses of eligible crops due to disaster events that occurred in 2020 or 2021. 
 
Here’s what you need in order to apply: 
 
➡️ Supporting documentation used to create IRS Schedule F 
➡️ Profit or Loss from Farming 
➡️ A copy of the FSA-1099G for the selected benchmark and disaster years 
(You can use your 2018/2019 taxes as the benchmark year(s) and use 2020/2021 taxes as the disaster years). 
 
You have until June 2, 2023 to apply.
 
Wish someone could walk you through the process? Send us a message and we’ll be there to help every step of the way.

Veterans give the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and democracy every single day, for 🇺🇸
 
→ Their courage is unmatched. 
→ Their perseverance is unparalleled.
→ Their dedication is admirable. 
 
And at the North-South Institute, we are in awe of all that Veterans have accomplished both overseas and stateside. 
 
That’s why we’ve dedicated our time to helping Veterans reach their true potential. 
 
We know that so often Veterans feel lost when they come home. They’re taken out of the lifestyle they’ve become accustomed to and don’t know what to do next. 
 
Agriculture and allied services is an option that many don’t think of because of the barriers to entry for Veterans in this country. 
 
NSI helps Veterans by placing them into AgVet Programs designed to help them build a career in Agriculture and allied services from the ground up. Anything from learning how to operate a homestead to applying for USDA Loans, NSI is here to help. 
 
And you might not know this, but Veterans make excellent farmers 😉
 
Curious how you can get started? Go click the link in our bio or go to website for more information. 

The graduating class in the AgVet Cohort 5 and 6, 2021-2022 has worked so hard to get to this
point and the staff at the North-South Institute couldn’t be prouder! 

It was a dream that Florida could train veterans using the Veteran Small Farm and Business
Incubator program and we all had faith that these amazing 28 grads would complete this AgVet
Program! 

At NSI, we admire veterans who are giving the ultimate sacrifice. We respect their sense of
dedication and perseverance to be the best at what you do. 

And now you’ll all be preparing for a higher degree, rural jobs, building of sustainable small
family farms and small businesses. 

NSI is proud to have been the first step on your journey forward in your professional career. 
We are so happy for your success and pray that all of your dreams should come true! 
Keep up the good work and continue being successful! 

NSI will always be here to support you in your endeavors. Until then, we’re so excited to
continue watching you succeed. 
​
Cheers!