conservation

Southeast Producers Urged to Sign Up Now for EQIP

Clint Thompson USDA-NRCS

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USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind agricultural producers and landowners the 2020 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) signup is underway in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. But NRCS encourages those interested to submit applications as soon as possible, as the deadlines to do so are nearing.

Alabama Producers Urged to Sign Up Now for EQIP

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama reminds producers the statewide cutoff for fiscal year 2020 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding is February 28. Continuous sign-up is available for EQIP, but any Alabama agricultural producer or landowner wanting to be considered for this year’s technical and financial assistance should apply by that date.

NRCS is encouraging producers and private landowners to submit their applications as soon as possible because funding is limited. NRCS provided over $29 million in EQIP funding to eligible Alabama farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and private landowners in fiscal year 2019.

EQIP, a voluntary conservation program, promotes agricultural production and environmental quality. This program is available to eligible producers and landowners and offers financial and technical assistance to install or implement structural and management practices on private land that deliver environmental benefits, such as improved water quality and reduced soil erosion. Eligible land includes cropland, pastureland and non-industrial private forestland.

To learn more about financial and technical assistance available, visit your local NRCS office or go to the Alabama NRCS website, al.nrcs.usda.gov .

Florida Producers Urged to Sign Up Now for EQIP

Florida farmers, ranchers and forest owners can now apply for financial and technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2020. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida notes these applications will be accepted until March 6. Through EQIP, agricultural landowners may receive financial and technical assistance to improve soil, water, air, plants, animals and related resources. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, private non-industrial forestland and other farm or ranch lands. The application deadline also applies to the EQIP-funded initiatives, like Seasonal High Tunnels, On-farm Energy Initiative, Longleaf Pine Initiative, Working Lands for Wildlife and Organic Producer Initiative.

Continuous sign-up is available for EQIP, but any Florida agricultural producer or landowner wanting to be considered for this year’s technical and financial assistance should apply by that date.

NRCS conservationists work with producers to assess the conservation needs on their land to identify concerns and opportunities, help determine objectives, and recommend solutions. Assistance is available through EQIP to help producers and landowners plan and implement conservation practices to improve water quantity and quality, build healthier soil, improve grazing and forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations, establish or improve wildlife habitat and achieve other environmental benefits on cropland, pasture, forestland, and associated agricultural land including animal feeding operations

EQIP applications in Florida will be accepted until March 6. Visit your local NRCS field office to learn more, or go to fl.nrcs.usda.gov.

Georgia Producers Urged to Sign Up Now for EQIP

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia reminds producers the statewide cutoff for fiscal year 2020 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding is February 28, 2020. Continuous sign-up is available for EQIP, but any Georgia agricultural producer or landowner wanting to be considered for this year’s technical and financial assistance should apply by that date.

This general EQIP sign-up also includes some special initiatives like Longleaf Pine, On-Farm Energy, Organic, Seasonal High Tunnel and the Working Lands for Wildlife. Plus, it also includes any special Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) – EQIP project areas. Customers should discuss these sign up options with their local conservationist to see if any of the initiatives or projects are right for them.

NRCS conservationists work with producers to assess the conservation needs on their land to identify concerns and opportunities, help determine objectives, and recommend solutions. Assistance is available through EQIP to help producers and landowners plan and implement conservation practices to improve water quantity and quality, build healthier soil, improve grazing and forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations, establish or improve wildlife habitat and achieve other environmental benefits on cropland, pasture, forestland, and associated agricultural land including animal feeding operations. Interested producers can apply now at their local USDA Service Center. More information can also be found at ga.nrcs.usda.gov under the Programs tab.