florida

NRCS Implementing EQIP through 2018 Farm Bill

Dan Farm Bill, USDA-NRCS

nrcs

Since the 2018 Farm Bill was enacted back in December, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been working to implement programs that offers strong support for conservation efforts of America’s farmers and ranchers. They offer financial and technical assistance through conservation practices, activities and enhancements to help producers make and maintain improvements on their land.

One of the most popular programs is the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). It provides financial and technical assistance to producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, and improved or created wildlife habitat.

Advertisement

To get started, NRCS works with you to develop a conservation plan that meets your goals and vision for the land. This becomes a roadmap for which conservation practices best meet your needs, and then financial assistance covers part of the costs from implementing conservation practices. NRCS offers about 200 practices depending on where your land is located. These practices are geared towards working farms, ranches and forests and provide producers with many options for conservation.

The best way to learn if EQIP is a good fit for you is to contact your local NRCS office. If you choose to move forward, your local NRCS conservationist will guide you through applying for the program. Applications are ranked, and if yours is funded, NRCS will offer you an EQIP contract. For more information on EQIP or any of the other programs offered, contact your local NRCS office.