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 The November deadline is for producers who want to develop a
“Conservation Activity Plan,” or CAP and receive financial
assistance for creating that customized plan.
Ivan Dozier, Illinois NRCS State Conservationist, explains,
“EQIP provides funds to pay for the creation of a CAP that
addresses a specific natural resource concern or a particular
land use issue. Once the plan is written, the producer can again
apply for EQIP to implement the plan and install the different
conservation practices and techniques they selected. Producers
can use EQIP from start to finish.”
A CAP is developed by NRCS-certified Technical Service Providers
(TSPs). The TSP will work with individual producers to inventory
their concerns and identify conservation practices to address
the issues.
EQIP assistance is used to offer the following CAPs in Illinois:
- Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan
- Integrated Pest Management Plan
- Nutrient Management Plan
- Irrigation Water Management Plan
- Forest Management Plan
- Agricultural Energy Management Plan
- Feed Management Plan
- Drainage Water Management Plan
- Grazing Management Plan
- Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition
- Prescribed Burning Plan
- Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management Plan
- Pollinator Habitat Enhancement Plan
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At this time, only CAPs will be competing for EQIP
funding. In the future, NRCS will establish other application
opportunities and sign-up deadlines. Even so, producers can apply
for EQIP year-round at their local NRCS field offices. Producers
interested in EQIP should submit a signed application (NRCS-CPA-1200
form) to the local NRCS field office or submit one electronically
through the Conservation Client Gateway.
https://www.nrcs. usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ national/cgate/
Applications for CAPS submitted by November 2, 2018 will be
evaluated by NRCS staff. Applicants must meet program eligibility
requirements to participate in EQIP, which the NRCS field office
staff will review with applicants. When an application is funded,
local NRCS field office staff will work with each applicant to
develop a contract.
EQIP is a voluntary conservation program available for agricultural
producers and forestry producers. Through EQIP, NRCS can provide
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/il/programs/ financial/eqip/
[Paige Buck
Public Affairs Officer
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service]
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