EQIP Sign-up for Fiscal 2007

(Fill-in-the blank news release for Alabama field offices.)

Date of Release: September 20, 2006

Contact: Julie Best, Public Affairs Specialist - 334-887-4549



Auburn, Ala. (date) - Alabama USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for fiscal year 2007 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contracts. The first batching date to rank eligible contracts is
November 17, 2006. Alabama landowners, including limited resource producers and new or beginning farmers, who have resource concerns on pasture land, crop land, forest, or land used for wildlife are encouraged to participate.

The EQIP program, administered by NRCS, provides technical and financial assistance to help eligible agricultural producers address soil, water, air, and related natural resource concerns on their operations. 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 poultry litter distribution, control of invasive species, water conservation, and practices designed especially for limited resource farmers and small scale farmers.

The first step for producers should be to contact their local NRCS office at _____________________________. The local office will provide specific information on how to apply in your area.

Additional information on EQIP is at http://www.al.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/.

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