AFT Statement on NRCS ACEP Funding Announcement

“We commend NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt and Associate Chief Colton Buckley for Wednesday’s announcement to provide $200 million for a second application period for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program-Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) in FY26. This significant increase in ALE allocations demonstrates the Administration's commitment to protecting the land essential to American agriculture. It is welcome news to farmers and ranchers seeking to permanently protect their land to provide for the next generation of producers and those who rely on them for food, fiber, and the natural resources they steward. We applaud this Administration’s focus on streamlining the ACEP-ALE program and reducing its wait times and look forward to continuing our partnership with NRCS in this effort.”