U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Ben Malone has announced availability of Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) funds for farmers who were affected by recent heavy rainfall. Applications for financial assistance will be accepted through December 4, 2020.
Alabama counties recently experienced extensive damage due to extreme wind speeds and high rainfall amounts. This caused excessive soil erosion and damage to cropland agricultural commodities, especially in coastal and southern counties. To assist affected producers, mitigate their on-farm resource concerns, Alabama NRCS is offering financial assistance to address erosion on cropland with targeted Conservation Practices.
Counties eligible for special funds include Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Mobile, Conecuh, and Monroe. Practices will include Grade Stabilization Structures, Waterways, Terraces, associated Underground Outlets, Low Pressure Center Pivots, and a suite of supporting practices.
For more information and to sign-up, contact your local USDA Service Center; you can locate your local Service Center at farmers.gov/service-center-locator.
Historically underserved participants like socially disadvantaged, limited resource, new and beginning, and eligible military veteran farmers and ranchers are eligible for a higher payment rate. Additionally, these historically underserved farmers and ranchers are eligible to receive a 50 percent advanced payment for purchasing materials or contracting to assist with practice implementation.