The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama is currently accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Animal Mortality Pilot.
Alabama is offering financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address on-farm concentrated nutrient and pathogen leaching losses due to animal mortality. Animal Mortality Facilities, including incinerators and composters, will be the priority conservation practice contracted within this Pilot. Further prioritization will be given to those counties directly affected by the River Valley Ingredients rendering plant fire, and its widespread impacts.
“It is great to see a positive impact in Alabama when we partner with producers to deliver conservation benefits after unforeseen and negative circumstances,” said Ben Malone, State Conservationist. “Alabama agricultural producers are resilient, and NRCS is fortunate to be in a position to assist conservation efforts to improve water quality that not only benefits the participating producers, but the public and our state’s natural resources as well.”
Producers interested in participating in this Pilot and meet eligibility criteria should contact their local District Conservationist.
NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, but applications are ranked and funded by enrollment periods. Applications signed and submitted for this Pilot need to be submitted to NRCS by Thursday, July 14, 2022. Special emphasis participants like socially disadvantaged, limited resource, new and beginning, and eligible military veteran farmers are eligible for a higher payment rate.
For more information, visit al.nrcs.usda.gov, or contact your local USDA Service Center.