Introduction
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program that helps agricultural producers in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through EQIP, agricultural producers receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural land. Payments are made to participants after conservation practices and activities identified in an EQIP plan of operations are implemented. Contracts can last up to ten years in duration.
Accepting Applications
EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis, however, NRCS establishes application "cut-off" or submission deadline dates for evaluation, ranking and approval of eligible applications. EQIP is open to all eligible agricultural producers and submitted applications may be considered or evaluated in multiple funding pool opportunities.
To learn how to get started with NRCS, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/getstarted
To apply for EQIP, contact an NRCS Alaska office.
Eligibility
Agricultural producers and owners of non-industrial private forestland and Tribes are eligible to apply for EQIP. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, non-industrial private forestland, other farm or ranch lands, and lands used for subsistence including Alaska Native Corporation property.
Applicants must:
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Control or own eligible land
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Comply with adjusted gross income limitation (AGI) provisions
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Be in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements
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Develop an NRCS EQIP plan of operations
Additional restrictions and program requirements may apply.
Participant Responsibilities
Applicants are responsible for completing and filing all application and eligibility paperwork as required. If funded, participants are required to sign a contract and agree to implement the planned conservation practices to NRCS standards and specifications as scheduled including. Participants may not start any financially assisted practice or activity or engage the reimbursable services of a certified Technical Service Provider (TSP) before the contract is executed unless a waiver is approved by the NRCS State Conservationist. Participants may submit a written request to waive this requirement for financially assisted practices.
Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning, and Limited Resource Farmers/Ranchers, Military Veteran Farmers
The 2014 Farm Bill continues to address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, as well as beginning and limited resource farmers and ranchers and Veteran Farmers. It provides for voluntary participation, offers incentives, and focuses on equity in accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services. Enhancements include increased payment rates and advance payments of up to 50 percent to purchase materials and services needed to implement conservation practices included in their EQIP contract.
Alaska is committed to reaching out to Historically Underserved individuals and groups. Historically Underserved participants may also receive higher payment rates in addition to being considered in high priority funding pools. See the Small & Limited and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers page for the NRCS definition of the Historically Underserved.
National and State Priorities
Please see the link to Policy for National and State Priorities.
Fiscal Year 2017 EQIP Deadlines
Applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are accepted year-round but only applications submitted by Thursday Sept. 1, 2016 will be considered for fiscal year 2017 funding. Applications must be signed and include farm and tract numbers supplied by the Farm Service Agency. Applicants using an EIN must also provide their DUNS number and current registration in the SAM database.
The applications must then meet eligibility by Fri. Nov. 18, including proof of land control and signature authority, as well as FSA forms 1026, 941 and if applicable 901 and 211. Only applications received by Sept. 1 and eligible by Nov. 18 will be in the first round of ranking.
How Funds are Allocated Throughout the State
Funds are allocated to address the Nation, State and Local Priorities in the form of sub-funds or funding pools. Applicants may apply for any funding pool for which they are eligible. Applicants compete for funding within the funding pools they choose. There is no competition for funds between different funding pools.
Alaska Policy
Conservation Activity Plans (CAP's)
Producers can apply for EQIP funding to pay for the development of plans by certified Technical Service Providers. These single, stand-alone contracts have priority ranking and should be completed within one year. Usually, only one CAP contract may be developed on eligible land. CAP payment rates are consistent with other EQIP funding, which is 75 percent for the standard rate, and 90 percent for historically underserved participants.
These plans are specific to types of land use, such as grazing, forest, or organic farming. Examples of plans include comprehensive nutrient management, forest management, grazing management, or fish and wildlife habitat.
To learn more about Technical Service Providers, go to TSP-NRCS. For a list of approved Technical Service Providers in Alaska, click here: TSPs in Alaska
For Technical Questions for Farm Energy or Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure, contact State Engineer Brett Nelson: brett.nelson@ak.usda.gov
For technical questions contact State Resource Conservationist, Helen Denniston at helen.denniston@ak.usda.gov or by phone at (907) 761-7756.
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Contact
Assistant State Conservationist for Programs
(907) 761-7757
