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Sociology of Agriculture and Food (SAFRIG)

Are You Being (under)Served: Who Benefits from Access to Conservation Cost-Share Programs Kelly Wilson*, Kelly Wilson,

Government-funded conservation cost-share programs such as the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CS) have been around for several decades to help landowners and producers protect and improve our public and private lands by providing financial and technical assistance. Despite the longevity of these programs, access and usage has wavered over time. In addition, producers from underserved categories, including veterans, socially disadvantaged, limited resourced, and new and beginning farmers, have proportionally benefited less than “non-undeserved producers”.  Guided by Ribot & Peluso’s Theory of Access, this research focuses on the experience that underserved producers in the Midwest have trying to participate in conservation cost-share programs. Drawing from 20 qualitative interviews conducted with underserved producers who have never previously participated (n=10) and who have participated (n=10), we highlight how rights-based, structural, and relational access mechanisms interact to either bolster or restrict access. In the wake of the US federal administration’s deprioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities, we further illustrate how policies implemented to increase underserved producers’ access to cost-share programs since the 1990’s (e.g. higher ranking and upfront payments) appear to be working to increase participation, demonstrating meaningful policy that that should be maintained.