The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama is offering an expanded opportunity for climate-smart agriculture in 2023. Updates include statewide availability of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Incentive Contracts. These improvements to NRCS’ working lands conservation programs, combined with continued program opportunities in Alabama, are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader effort to support climate-smart agriculture. Applications will be accepted through Friday, January 6, 2023.
“Climate change is happening, and America’s agricultural communities are on the frontlines,” NRCS State Conservationist Ben Malone said. “We must 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 Alabama farmers and ranchers the best tools to conserve natural resources.”
EQIP Conservation Incentive Contracts Conservation Incentive Contracts address priority resource concerns, which includes sequestering carbon and improving soil health in high-priority areas. Through these contracts, NRCS works with producers to strengthen the quality and condition of natural resources on their operations.
Conservation Incentive Contracts offer producers annual incentive payments to implement management practices as well as conservation evaluation and monitoring activities to help manage, maintain, and improve priority natural resource concerns within state high-priority areas and build on existing conservation efforts. Conservation Incentive Contracts last five years.
The focus within Alabama for CIC is to increase the adoption of cover crops, native warm season grasses, prescribed grazing, and residue and tillage management on crop and pasture lands.
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.
To learn more visit your local USDA Service Center.