The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) wants to remind producers and landowners the statewide general sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) concludes Friday, December 13, 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 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 does accept applications for conservation programs year-round, but to be included in this EQIP funding batch, interested producers need to 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.