The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia has announced a statewide application ranking date for fiscal year 2023 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding. All Georgia agricultural and forest operators who wish to be considered for this year’s technical and financial assistance should apply by November 4, 2022.
While customers can apply year-round, this application ranking date announcement is for all general EQIP, as well as the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry initiative. Customers should discuss these sign-up options with your local conservationist to see if any are right for them.
“Our team of dedicated USDA-NRCS conservationists throughout Georgia are ready to assist our farmers, ranchers and private landowners make best use of their land and natural resources.” said Georgia State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph. “To do this, we use EQIP as one of our more utilized tools to help them achieve their economic and environmental goals.”
NRCS conservationists work with producers to assess the conservation needs on their land; identify resource concerns and opportunities; help determine objectives; and make recommend solutions – participation is 100% voluntary.
EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, improved or created wildlife habitat, and mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.
And a reminder, historically underserved producers approved for funding through EQIP, qualify for the advanced payment option. This option allows these producers to get conservation practice payments in advance of the practice implementation.
More information on NRCS conservation programs can be found at https://www.farmers.gov/ or https://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov under the Programs tab. Or, visit NRCS at your local USDA Service Center.