FSM was formerly part of the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific and is now a sovereign country. The U.S. has specific responsibilities outlined in the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985, which declares FSM eligible for the services of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. NRCS staff work primarily with landowners to help them manage their own lands in ways that are productive and sustainable.
Agriculture is predominately subsistence based.
Crops are grown in complex, agroforest ecosystems. Primary resource issues focus on animal waste management, low soil fertility, construction erosion control and reducing negative impacts to Pohnpei's watersheds and forests. Landowners plant trees to provide food and diversify their agroforest.