USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the 2020 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) sign-up is underway in Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
Alabama NRCS Announces EQIP Sign-Up
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama has announced the 2020 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) sign-up is underway. The application deadline is February 28, 2020 for farmers, ranchers and private landowners to apply for financial and technical assistance.
NRCS accepts EQIP applications throughout the year but makes funding selections at specific times during the fiscal year. NRCS is encouraging Alabama 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.
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 to help Alabama farmers and other landowners improve and protect their land, visit your local NRCS office.
Florida NRCS Announces EQIP Sign-Up
Florida farmers, ranchers and forest owners can now apply for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2020 funding. And while applications are accepted on a continuous basis for all programs, funding selections are typically made once a year through a batching process.
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 following EQIP-funded initiatives:
- Organic Producer Initiative
- Seasonal High Tunnels
- On-farm Energy Initiative
- Longleaf Pine Initiative
- Working Lands for Wildlife
EQIP applications will be accepted until March 6. Visit your local NRCS field office to learn more.
Georgia NRCS Announces EQIP Sign-Up
Georgia State Conservationist Terrance Rudolph with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the statewide cutoff for fiscal year 2020 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding. All Georgia agricultural producers and landowners who wish to be considered for this year’s technical and financial assistance should apply by February 28.
While customers can apply year round, this application cutoff announcement is for all general EQIP, as well as some special initiatives such as the Longleaf Pine, On-Farm Energy, Organic, Seasonal High Tunnel and the Working Lands for Wildlife.
Additionally, this announcement 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. Interested producers can apply at their local USDA Service Center by submitting a Conservation Program Application (NRCS-CPA-1200).