The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants to remind producers and landowners across the state about several new and expanded opportunities for climate smart agriculture in 2022. These updates include availability of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Incentive Contracts option. It is a new and streamlined EQIP Cover Crop Initiative which includes added flexibilities for producers to easily re-enroll in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
“Climate change is happening, and America’s agricultural communities are on the frontlines,” NRCS Chief Terry Cosby said. “We have to continue to support and expand the adoption of conservation approaches to support producers in their work to address the climate crisis and build more resilient operations. We are continuously working to improve our programs to ensure we’re giving farmers and ranchers the best tools to conserve natural resources.”
The initiative is aimed at improving soil health through a targeted, rapid, and streamlined application and contract approval process. NRCS will continue to build on this framework and streamlined application process to support farmers and ranchers.
Conservation Incentive Contracts address priority resource concerns, including sequestering carbon and improving soil health in high-priority areas. Through these contracts, works with producers to strengthen the quality and condition of natural resources on their operations using management practices, such as irrigation water management, drainage water management, feed management and residue and tillage management that target resource concerns, including degraded soil and water quality, available water and soil erosion.
To learn more contact your local USDA Service Center.