Changes are coming to the Technical Service Provider Program How does the technical service provider (TSP) program work? Technical service providers (TSPs) are third-party providers who offer services to agricultural producers such as farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners. TSPs offer customized, one-on-one advice to help producers with conservation planning and conservation practices. The Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) lists certified TSPs on the TSP website, where a producer can find a TSP based upon on the producer's location and the needed technical services. When a producer hires a TSP, NRCS reimburses the producer at a predefined rate. Producers hire and work directly with the TSP and are responsible for payment. TSPs can help producers address natural resource concerns including nutrient management, energy use, forestry, grazing, irrigation, confined animal management, organic agriculture, and wildlife habitat. TSPs also provide conservation planning services such as developing activity plans that meet NRCS standards and specifications. TSPs work on behalf of NRCS, maintaining confidentiality with agricultural producers. In addition, TSPs can help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners comply with Federal, state, tribal, and local laws and regulations. What changes are planned for the TSP program? TSPs must be technically certified by NRCS for the conservation activity for which they are providing technical assistance. Certified TSPs are currently registered through a program called TechReg. On August 13, TechReg will be modernized and moved to a more comprehensive NRCS Registry, a new system with expanded features including a built-in application process, training materials, and basic task management tools. The TSP website will be updated to include the new registration system access point and provide additional resources for TSPs and producers. Changes to the TSP certification process and updates to the TSP Policy Manual and standard operating procedures are anticipated in late 2021 and early 2022. In October 2021, the Conservation Activity Plans (CAPs) structure will change to align with the 9-steps of Conservation Planning. There will be more information on all these changes. What these changes mean for you? If you are a producer, the upcoming changes will not affect the process of hiring or working with a TSP. If you are currently a TSP, or are in the certification process, you may need to prepare for your profile to migrate into the new system. Instructions are available on the website and will be sent to you via-email. | 
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