By Linda from Chicago, USA – New crops/Wikimedia image, CC BY 2.0
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants to remind urban agricultural producers that the application deadline for Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) projects under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is May 11th. This program offers producers technical and financial assistance to address resource concerns on their land.
Alabama NRCS is offering financial assistance to assist urban growers in areas such as soil health, erosion control, irrigation and water conservation, weeds and pests, pollinator habitat, and high tunnels. Five urbanized areas within the state are a part of the pilot initiative for Fiscal Year 2022. This includes the Birmingham/Bessemer area, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery.
Eligible conservation practices through this initiative include those that promote soil health, reduce erosion, and lessen nutrient runoff, such as cover crops, nutrient and pest management, and Seasonal High Tunnels.
Special emphasis participants like socially disadvantaged, limited resource, new and beginning, and eligible military veteran farmers and ranchers are eligible for a higher payment rate. In addition, these historically underserved farmers and ranchers are eligible for a 50 percent advanced payment for purchasing materials or contracting to help with practice implementation in EQIP.
NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, but to be considered for 2022 funding applications need to be submitted to NRCS by May 11, 2022.
For more information, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center.