Premium Partnership
The Premium Partnership is an enrollment option available through the Family Forest Carbon Program that provides a contract value 35% higher than the standard offer.
In return for completing a few additional steps with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), you'll receive a larger first-year payment while maintaining all the benefits of the Family Forest Carbon Program—and may become eligible for additional USDA conservation programs.
Use our secure mapping tool to select your property and find out if you qualify.
Premium Partnership at a Glance
The Premium Partnership is designed for landowners who are willing to complete a few additional enrollment steps with their local USDA Farm Service Agency. By participating, you'll receive:
- A contract value that's 35% higher than the standard Family Forest Carbon Program offer
- The entire additional contract value included in your first annual payment, once requirements are met
- Assistance from the FFCP team throughout the process
- Easier access to other USDA conservation and cost-share programs
The Premium Partnership is operated by the Family Forest Impact Foundation LLC, an affiliate of the American Forest Foundation.
Why Choose the Premium Partnership?
Receive More Upfront
Instead of spreading your full contract value evenly across 20 years, the Premium Partnership includes the additional 35% value in your first payment after completing the required steps.
Access More USDA Opportunities
Establishing Farm Service Agency records may make it easier to qualify for other USDA programs, including:
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
- Healthy Forests Reserve Program
- Other USDA conservation and cost-share opportunities
Get Support Every Step of the Way
Our team will help connect you with your local Farm Service Agency office and answer questions throughout the process.
About the Premium Partnership
The Premium Partnership is made possible through funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) Grant Program. The initiative helps family forest owners strengthen long-term forest management while expanding access to USDA programs that support healthy, productive woodlands.
Payment Example
Here's how the Premium Partnership compares to a standard Family Forest Carbon Program contract.
Once all Premium Partnership requirements have been completed, the additional value of your contract is included in your first annual payment. Years 2–20 continue at the standard annual payment amount.
Standard Partnership:
- Total Contract Value: $21,000
- Year 1 Payment: $1,050
Premium Partnership
- Total Contract Value: $28,350
- Year 1 Payment: $8,400
Eligibility Requirements
Completing the Premium Partnership is straightforward. Our team is available to guide you through each step.
Step 1: Establish Farm Records
Work with your local USDA Farm Service Agency to establish Farm Records for the entire forested area you're enrolling in the Family Forest Carbon Program. Need help? We'll connect you with your local FSA office.
Step 2: Complete Required FSA Forms
Complete two required USDA compliance forms.
- Form AD-1026: Certifies whether your land contains highly erodible areas or wetlands.
- Form 2047: Collects contact and demographic information needed to establish USDA program eligibility.
These forms can typically be completed at your local FSA office or online.
Step 3: Submit Documentation to FFCP
Provide the Family Forest Carbon Program with:
- Your annual Producer Subsidiary Print
- Supporting Farm Service Agency maps These documents are available through your local FSA office and help verify that the required steps have been completed.
Important Timeline
To receive the Premium Partnership incentive, all required steps must be completed within 12 months of your enrollment date. If the requirements aren't completed within that timeframe:
- You'll remain enrolled in the Family Forest Carbon Program.
- You won't be penalized or removed from the program.
- You simply won't receive the additional 35% contract value.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Premium Partnership is completely optional. You can enroll in the Family Forest Carbon Program without participating.
Yes. Our team can help connect you with your local Farm Service Agency office and explain each step of the process.
No. You'll receive all the same benefits of the Family Forest Carbon Program. The Premium Partnership simply adds a few additional requirements in exchange for a higher contract value.
You'll remain enrolled in the Family Forest Carbon Program, but you won't receive the additional 25% contract value.