The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) announces a fiscal year 2025 statewide federal assistance opportunity for agricultural and forest producers, through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This sign-up that concludes on November 15, 2024, will utilize 2018 Farm Bill and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding.
While applications are accepted year-round, this ranking date announcement is for all general EQIP, special initiatives, as well as the IRA-funded Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry mitigation activities that address grazing, forestry, soil health, air quality and energy related resource concerns.
“Our team of dedicated conservationists look forward to working with our customers to help them make their conservation dreams a reality.” said Georgia State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph. “Once again, bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act’s funding, combined with our Farm Bill funding, we are excited to help more producers, acres and communities than in most years.”
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.
NRCS conservationists work with producers to assess the conservation needs on their land; identify resource concerns and opportunities; help determine objectives and recommend solutions – participation is 100% voluntary.
As 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.
To learn more, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center by November 15, 2024.