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 Ivan Dozier, Illinois NRCS State Conservationist explains, “NRCS
has a long history of conservation planning with agricultural
producers and forestry managers. We have the technical knowledge
to develop a conservation plan for your resource concerns and
NRCS has conservation programs available to implement that
plan.”
The primary financial assistance program is the Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). EQIP provides financial and
technical assistance to agricultural and forestland producers.
To participate, producers can apply for EQIP throughout the
year; however, Illinois NRCS has established two application
deadlines for November 17, 2017 and January 19, 2018. Producers
are encouraged to submit an application by one of the
application deadlines if they are interested in obtaining
program benefits.
Over the years, producers use EQIP to successfully address
natural resource issues on their farm. Some EQIP activities
include installing structures to address gully erosion,
improving pastureland diversity by inter-seeding, and improving
soil health by increasing organic matter with cover crops.
These conservation practices can be completed using NRCS EQIP
funding pools that target grazing land operations, confined
livestock operations, organic, and wildlife habitat, 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.
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Producers interested in EQIP should submit a signed
application (NRCS-CPA-1200 form) to their local NRCS field office or
submit one electronically through the Conservation Client Gateway.
Applications submitted by November 17, 2017 and January 19, 2018
will be evaluated by NRCS staff for the funding period submitted.
Applicants must meet program eligibility requirements
to participate in EQIP. Local NRCS staff will work with applicants
to determine eligibility and help answer ranking questions. If an
application is ranked high enough to be funded, local NRCS staff
will work with applicants to develop a contract and an
implementation schedule.
“Using science-based practices with EQIP is a powerful way to make
changes that improve water quality and reduce soil erosion on
Illinois farms,” Dozier adds.
EQIP is a voluntary conservation program available for agricultural
producers and forestry producers. Through EQIP, NRCS provides
financial and technical assistance to install conservation
practices. For information on EQIP, contact the local NRCS field
office or visit
www.nrcs. usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/il/ programs/financial/eqip/.
[Paige Buck, NRCS]
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