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USDA releases technical service provider assistance final rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Bruce Knight Dec. 8 announced the release of the final rule that will allow USDA to certify third parties that can provide conservation technical services to the nation's farmers and ranchers.
The 2002 Farm Bill expanded the availability of technical assistance to producers by encouraging the use of third parties--called technical service providers (TSPs)--to assist USDA in delivering conservation technical services. The final rule for technical service provider assistance, published in the Federal Register on Nov. 29, is located at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr.
"Technical service providers help farmers and ranchers meet their individual conservation goals," Knight said. "By using TSPs, USDA is able to direct more resources for conservation technical assistance to the private sector, nonprofits and state and local governments."
The final rule details the process NRCS will follow to administer TSP assistance. In addition to establishing a national certification process, the rule also explains criteria for evaluating all potential providers of technical assistance. It distinguishes between certification of an individual working under his or her own auspices and that of public and private entities. The rule contains conditions and procedures that NRCS can use to ensure certified technical service providers deliver high quality technical services to producers and to decertify those who fail to meet the quality standards. The rule also details the system NRCS will use to pay for TSP-provided services and protects producers by ensuring TSPs are responsible for the service they provide.
NRCS state conservationists will certify TSPs within their jurisdiction to provide technical assistance on behalf of USDA, including conservation planning and the design, layout, installation and checkout of approved conservation practices. Once certified, their work must meet NRCS standards and specifications, program requirements, and relevant laws and regulations.
"This unique process will allow other groups and individuals to help us do conservation planning and implementation work for producers," Knight said. "Producers may still use NRCS for technical assistance or select a certified technical service provider. This will allow much needed assistance to carry out voluntary conservation programs."
Additional information on technical service providers can be found at http://techreg.usda.gov.
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