FY09 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) - Oregon

About the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program that provides assistance to agricultural producers in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through EQIP, farmers and ranchers receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural land. EQIP is re-authorized through the 2008 Farm Bill. 

NRCS is currently working on the 2009 EQIP based on the language in the 2008 Farm Bill. The Interim Final Rule for EQIP has recently been made available in the Federal Register. The period for public comments will close March 16, 2009. Instructions for submitting comments are outlined within the text of the Interim Final Rule.

Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP)

Interested parties may apply for the regular EQIP described on this page or through the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) portion of EQIP.  Through AWEP, NRCS may enter into partnership agreements with eligible entities to conserve ground and surface water or improve water quality, or both, in the region. Partners that are eligible to participate in AWEP include, but are not limited to, federally recognized Indian Tribes, States, units of local government, agricultural or silvicultural associations, or other such groups of agricultural producers. The Request for Proposals (RFP) announcement outlines the process for partners to submit applications for the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program. The agency has made $58.4 million available for partnership proposals.

The Request For Proposals deadline for the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) is March 2, 2009.

The AWEP Request for Proposals can be found on the Federal Register Web site at:  http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-504.pdf 

AWEP News Release

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Environmental and Operational Benefits

EQIP assistance helps landowners and agricultural operators implement measures to improve water quality, conserve ground and surface water, reduce soil erosion from cropland and forestland, and improve grazing lands. EQIP assistance also helps people enhance riparian and aquatic areas, improve air quality, and address wildlife issues.

EQIP can provide financial and technical assistance to plan and design such measures as:

• Irrigation and water management, including such items as:  efficient irrigation upgrades, irrigation scheduling, tailwater recovery systems, etc.
• Grazing management:  fencing, stockwater systems, range and pasture planting, etc.
• Nutrient management:  manure storage structures, planned nutrient applications, soil testing, etc.
• Pest management:  crop and pest monitoring activities, planned pesticide applications, etc.
• Forest management:  tree planting, pre-commercial thinning, etc.
• Erosion control:  grade control structures, diversions, water and sediment control basins,
• Wildlife habitat enhancement: stream buffers, fish screens, fish passage, upland wildlife habitat establishment, etc.

These and the many other measures included in EQIP can help producers accomplish a variety of operational goals, which may include:

• Improvements to the long-term productivity and sustainability of an agricultural operation;
• Improved condition of crops and forage for livestock;
• Reduced costs for fuel, labor, fertilizers and pesticides;
• Energy efficient systems and field operations; and
• Compliance with regulatory requirements.

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Technical and Financial Assistance

Technical Assistance:  NRCS provides conservation planning expertise to help applicants identify conservation measures suited for the land and land use. In addition, NRCS provides program participants with expertise for structural practice design and development of management strategies to address natural resource needs.

One-Time Practice Payments:  EQIP participants may receive a one-time practice payment to offset the costs of certain conservation practices, such as grassed waterways, filter strips, manure management facilities, capping abandoned wells, and other practices important to improving and maintaining the health of natural resources in the area.

Incentive Payments: In addition, incentive payments may be made through EQIP to encourage land management practices, such as nutrient management, manure management, integrated pest management, irrigation water management, and wildlife habitat management. These payments may be provided for up to three years.

Limited Resource Producers and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: Those who qualify as limited resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers may be eligible for EQIP payments that are 30 percent above the actual contract amount. Click here for more information on limited resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers.

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For More Information

NRCS National EQIP Website

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Contact

Local Contact:
Please contact the District Conservationist in the USDA Service Center nearest the location of your property.

Oregon EQIP Program Manager:
Bill White
Phone: (503) 414-3085
Email: bill.white@or.usda.gov

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Archived EQIP Information

• 2008
• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004

Last Modified:  01/15/2009

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