NRCS Announces October 19 EQIP Signup Deadline for 2019 Funding

Assistance will help farmers improve soil and water health and protect forestry and wildlife habitat

COLCHESTER, VT—September 19, 2018--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that farmers are. encouraged to apply by October 19, 2018, to receive assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)."EQIP provides tremendous support to Vermont farmers and landowners interested in addressing natural resource concerns on their land," State Conservationist Vicky Drew said.  While EQIP is offered through a continuous signup, NRCS makes periodic funding selections.

The October signup will focus on assistance with seasonal high tunnels, development of conservation activity plans, and for EQIP-focused projects funded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).  Anyone interested in submitting an EQIP application to address other natural resource concerns is encouraged to apply, but will be considered for funding later in the year.

EQIP allows farmers, ranchers, forestland managers and landowners to conserve natural resources by making available financial assistance for a variety of conservation activities. Drew says it benefits the producer to complete applications early. “They should have conservation plans developed for the area included in an EQIP contract,” she said. Applications must be submitted and approved before implementing conservation practices.

EQIP contracts provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns and for opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland.EQIP can also help Vermont farmers meet Federal, State, and local environmental regulations.

EQIP is an important Farm Bill conservation program that helps established farmers as well as beginning, historically underserved, and limited resource producers. Learn more by visiting the Vermont NRCS EQIP website or contact your local NRCS office.

 For the latest conservation updates, follow Vermont NRCS on Twitter @VermontNRCS.