Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. and Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Increased TSP Access Act to address Technical Service Provider (TSP) shortages.
“Increasing the amount of Technical Service Providers (TSP) is a commonsense approach that moves us towards our goal by cutting red tape that’s holding back farm participation in NRCS programs,” Senator Marshall said. “Certified Crop Advisors and other similar professionals are already equipped with the skills necessary to help farmers and ranchers reach a variety of conservation goals. Establishing an expedited pathway to deliver conservation goals, especially as it relates to nutrient management plans, is the free-market answer to increasing agriculture-friendly conservation efforts.”
“As Colorado faces a hotter and drier future, we need to make it easier to access USDA conservation programs. Crippling red tape and understaffing at the NRCS are preventing Coloradans from applying,” Senator Bennet said. “The future of rural America depends on the next generation continuing their family farms and ranches. To protect that future, the Increased TSP Access Act makes assistance more accessible and helps conservation programs live up to their potential.”
“TSPs provide assistance to help farmers and ranchers continue their vital conservation efforts and can ensure they have access to the best information and expertise available,” Congressman Baird said. “By establishing a more streamlined certification process for Technical Service Providers (TSPs) and by establishing greater opportunities for certification, we can eliminate the bureaucratic red tape and address TSP shortages.”
The Increased TSP Access Act would address the TSP shortage through:
- Non-Federal Certifying Entities:The bill directs USDA to establish a process to approve non-Federal certifying entities within 180 days of enactment. The bill ensures that USDA’s process will allow agricultural retailers, conservation organizations, cooperatives, professional societies, and service providers to become certifying entities. It also puts clear deadlines on USDA to ensure responsiveness in administering the program.
- Streamlined Certification:The bill directs USDA to establish a streamlined certification process for TSPs who hold appropriate specialty certifications (including certified crop advisors) within 180 days of enactment. This guarantees that applicants with other certifications aren’t burdened with duplicative training, but are still trained in the competencies needed to serve as a TSP.
- Parity in Compensation:The bill ensures that TSPs—who are often paid using conservation program dollars—are paid the fair market rate for their services.