
Agricultural News
Conservation Client Gateway an Opportunity for Oklahoma Landowners
Wed, 01 Apr 2020 09:58:43 CDT
Farmers, ranchers and other USDA customers in Oklahoma can work remotely with USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through Conservation Client Gateway (CCG), a secure web portal. To prevent the spread of coronavirus, CCG is a great option for agricultural producers to work with NRCS, whether they are operating as individuals or authorized members of business entities.
Customers can track NRCS payments, report completed practices, request conservation assistance, and electronically sign documents through the tool at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/cgate/.
Carrie Dickerson is with Bernhardt Land and Cattle Co., Marlow, Okla., who has Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts with NRCS that are managed through Client Gateway. "I use it to sign documents so I don't have to go into the office," she said. "Or if I do it through email, I have to print it, sign it, scan it and then email it back, but through Gateway I can just go in there and electronically sign it. That way I'm not having to travel down to the office (about 15 minutes each way) to sign something."
That is under normal conditions. With the COVID-19 spread, she said, "You don't have to be face-to-face with people, you can access things electronically. If I had to access anything without having to go to the office, it's all there." It's an effective tool for the producer and the office.
"This is beneficial for our employees as well," said Gary O'Neill, the NRCS Oklahoma State Conservationist. "It can reduce time in getting documents signed and shared between the agency and the producer.
To access CCG, customers need a USDA eAuthentication Account linked with their active USDA Customer Business Partner (SCIMS) record that contains a valid email address. If you have active NRCS and Farm Service Agency (FSA) files, you likely already have a Customer Business Partner record on file. If you need to create a Customer Business Partner record, need to update your primary email address or have questions, please call your local FSA office.
Dana Davis, NRCS District Conservationist for six southern Oklahoma counties, said, "Client Gateway expedites our ability to deliver conservation assistance. Gateway allows NRCS to conduct daily business in real time from the comfort of the producer's farm or ranch and in their time. Most agriculture producers don't come in until dark and our offices are closed. However, with Gateway, NRCS is always open and ready to serve. Gateway allows producers to inform us when they are ready for a practice check out and deliver necessary paperwork such as receipts or documents needed for certification without having to play phone tag. It also allows NRCS to send important documents for signature to the producers immediately, no need for repeat or return trips into the office. Client Gateway is a very efficient tool and I strongly encourage producers to take a look at it."
Accessing Conservation Client Gateway
Once you confirm you have a valid, active USDA Customer Business Partner record, you can create a CCG login through the "Get Started" link at
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/cgate/.
The process will ask you identity proofing security questions, create your account, and link your account to your Business Partner record.
Customer Support
If customer support is needed during account creation, login, or in the use of CCG please contact the Client Gateway NRCS Service Desk at: (970) 372-4200
https://usdafpacbc.service-now.com/ServiceDesk/.
USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While our program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with our producers by phone, and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with NRCS, FSA, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
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