NRCS Accepting Environmental Quality Incentives Program Applications

Little Rock, Ark., Feb. 7, 2008 – Farmers and landowners in Arkansas can submit applications anytime to apply for cost-share assistance to implement conservation activities through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

“A continuous signup is conducted at all USDA Service Centers in Arkansas,” said Kalven L. Trice, state conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “When the new farm bill is passed, we could see a fast turn around to fund EQIP projects. By submitting applications now, producers can ensure they meet future short notice deadlines.”

“Ranking periods are established and all applications received before the ranking period cutoff date are evaluated and ranked according to local ranking criteria. The highest ranked applications are selected for funding. The number of contracts funded is based on available funding. Applications received after the cutoff date are held for ranking during the next ranking period,” Trice said.

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP provides farmers with a flexible and effective program that offers technical and financial assistance to install conservation practices related to statewide natural resource concerns like water quality, water quantity, plant health and wildlife concerns.

Individuals and entities engaged in livestock and/or crop production are eligible to participate in EQIP.  Eligible land includes cropland, pasture, private non-industrial forest land, and other farm and ranch lands.

Cost-share rates are set at 50 percent for most practices with some receiving 75 percent.  Some practices have payment caps that cannot be exceeded in a single contract.  Applicants qualifying as a Limited Resource Farmer may be eligible to receive an additional 15 percent. 

In 2007, NRCS employees and landowners installed more than $18.8 million of conservation practices on almost 190,000 acres throughout Arkansas.

For more information, visit http://www.ar.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip.html or contact the local USDA/NRCS field service center.

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