The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) announced that applications for Entity Held Conservation Easements and Land Management Financial Assistance opportunities are open beginning August 31, 2026, through September 30, 2026. ^[1] Farmers and agricultural organizations have experienced unprecedented instability in their partnerships with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) since January 2025 due to funding freezes and program cancellations. ^[2] The proposed federal rule changes would expand the USDA's authority to terminate signed agreements at any time if the agency determines it is in the interest of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. ^[3] As part of these RCPP projects, NRCS and its partners have funding to pay landowners for up to 50 percent of the value of conservation easements placed upon their land. ^[4] Lands within or touching the boundaries of the Surface to Springs and Forest to Gulf projects in Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Gilchrist, Hernando, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Sumter, Suwannee, and Union counties are eligible for this funding opportunity. ^[5] The NRCS and ACT will accept applications for the fiscal year 2027 through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. ^[6] The proposed rule removes the right to appeal terminations administratively, foreclosing the opportunity for grantees to explain project alignment or identify pathways for necessary changes. ^[7] The proposed rule would elevate previously non-binding guidance regarding agency termination authority to binding regulations. ^[8]