Purpose is to provide laru technicians to nrcs field offices to assist with conservation planning and increase the efficiency of practice installation and delivery for farm bill programs in louisiana

The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded a $549,980 Cooperative Agreement to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, effective September 19, 2025, through September 29, 2029, to provide Land Application Review Unit (LARU) technicians to NRCS field offices throughout Louisiana. These technicians will deliver technical assistance services supporting conservation planning and design under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (CFDA 10.912), with a specific focus on improving the efficiency of conservation practice installation and delivery for Farm Bill programs across the state.

The funded positions will enhance NRCS's capacity to serve farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forest land owners by streamlining the conservation planning process and accelerating the implementation of eligible structural, vegetative, and land management practices. By deploying dedicated LARU technicians within existing NRCS field infrastructure, this cooperative agreement directly supports the program's dual objectives of promoting agricultural production and environmental quality while optimizing environmental benefits on eligible Louisiana lands.