The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) wants to remind landowners and producers in the state that sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) ends December 13, 2024.
This signup is an extension of the Fiscal Year 2025 EQIP statewide sign-up that was announced on October 1, 2024.
EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits. Those benefits include 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 accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, but to be included in this funding batch, interested producers can apply at their local USDA Service Center by December 13th.
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.
More information on USDA conservation programs is available online at https://www.farmers.gov/conservation.