NRCS Is Accepting EQIP Applications

Auburn, Ala. June 3, 2008

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Gary Kobylski announced a sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The sign-up is open in all Alabama counties and will close for this batching period on June 20, 2008.

Alabama landowners, including limited resource producers and new or beginning farmers, who have resource concerns on pastureland, cropland, forest, or land used for wildlife are encouraged to participate.

The EQIP program provides both technical assistance and financial assistance based on a practice payment schedule to individuals interested in addressing soil, water, air, and related natural resource concerns on their operations. Limited resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers may be eligible for a higher practice payment rate based on an elevated practice payment schedule. The schedule is elevated to help defray cost for farmers with limited financial resources.

EQIP generally supports a wide variety of activities: the establishment of permanent covers, erosion control, grazing protection, wildlife habitat enhancement, soil quality and various water quality protection systems. Forestry practices which are generally supported include tree planting, forest stand improvement, site preparation for natural regeneration and forest stand analysis leading to better forest management. Special initiatives include forest health, control of invasive species, water conservation, and practices designed especially for limited resource farmers.

Priority will be given to applicants that plan to apply practices that will be completed in a one to two year time frame.

The first step for producers should be to contact their local NRCS office local Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

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