January 7, 2010 –
Agricultural producers and operators are reminded to apply for the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) before January 15 to be
considered for fiscal year 2010 funding.
January 7, 2010 –
Agricultural producers and operators are reminded to apply for the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) before January 15 to be
considered for fiscal year 2010 funding.
EQIP is a voluntary
program that provides financial and technical assistance to help producers
improve and enhance natural resources on private and Tribal working lands.
Through EQIP, producers
receive funding to offset the cost to install conservation practices to treat a
wide range of natural resource concerns. In addition, those who apply and are
accepted into the program receive free technical assistance to develop a
conservation plan and specifications for structural and management practices.
The program includes
practices such as irrigation efficiency upgrades, forest management, manure
transfer, grazing management, water control structures, and prescribed burning.
Program changes under the
2008 Farm Bill set aside dedicated EQIP funding for certified organic producers
or those transitioning to organic production. In addition, applicants who
qualify as a beginning farmer-rancher, socially disadvantaged farmer-rancher,
or limited resource farmer-rancher are eligible to receive a higher financial
assistance payment rate, if selected for a contract.
Farmers, ranchers, private
non-industrial forest landowners, producers on Tribal lands, and Tribal
governments are eligible to apply for EQIP. Agricultural producers with federal
land grazing permits are also eligible to apply for financial assistance to
implement approved practices on their federal allotment.
The USDA-Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts EQIP applications year-round with
current-year funding directed toward applications received prior to January 15.
At this time, applications will be evaluated and ranked for funding based on
how well they address conservation priorities.
