News Release
NRCS Announces EQIP Application Deadlines in Illinois
Contact:
Paige E. Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist
(217) 353.6606
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Champaign, IL—September 29, 2016 – Illinois agricultural producers and forestry managers who want to address natural resources and increase environmental benefits are encouraged to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Ivan Dozier, Illinois NRCS State Conservationist, announced that November 18, 2016 and January 20, 2017 will be the two EQIP application deadlines in Illinois. “Producers can sign up for EQIP at any time throughout the year, but to compete for the upcoming funding periods, I encourage producers with resource concerns to submit an application by one of the application deadlines,” Dozier explains.
Many applicants have shown interest in the funding pool to address soil erosion and water quality issues on cropland. However, there are also funding pools for addressing issues on grazing land operations, confined livestock operations, and for organic producers and wildlife habitat improvements, just to name a few.
In addition to conservation practices, EQIP provides funding for the development of plans, such as Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs), Grazing Plans, Drainage Water Management Plans, and more.
Producers interested in EQIP should submit a signed application (NRCS-CPA-1200 form) to the local NRCS field office or submit it electronically through the Conservation Client Gateway (www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/cgate/). Applications submitted by November 18, 2016 or January 20, 2017 will be evaluated by NRCS staff for the funding period submitted.
Applicants must meet program eligibility requirements in order to participate in EQIP. NRCS field office staff will work with applicants to determine eligibility and answer ranking questions. If an application is ranked high enough to be funded, the applicant will work with the local NRCS field office staff to develop a contract.
EQIP is a voluntary conservation program available for agricultural producers and forestry managers. Through EQIP, NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to install conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve water and air quality, and create wildlife habitat. For more information on EQIP, contact the local NRCS field office or visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov.
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