lIllinois EQIP 2022 Application Deadline Established

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[December 20, 2021]    Look to the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for conservation assistance on agricultural and forestland. Ivan Dozier, Illinois NRCS State Conservationist explains, “NRCS can assist agricultural and forestland producers to address natural resource concerns. One opportunity for assistance is with the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).”

To participate in EQIP, producers can apply throughout the year; however, Illinois NRCS has established an application deadline for January 7, 2022. Producers are encouraged to submit an application by the application deadline if they are interested in the program.

With EQIP, producers have successfully addressed natural resource issues on their farm. Some EQIP activities include installing structures to address gully erosion, improving pastureland diversity by interseeding, and improving soil health by increasing organic matter with cover crops. In addition to conservation practices, EQIP funds the development of conservation plans. New plan options are available this year as well as the existing options of creating a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) and Forest Management Plan (FMP).

“In 2022, a new effort for the bobwhite quail is being launched. EQIP will be available in 70 Illinois counties in the south and west to restore and enhance quail habitat. Over the last half century, the quail population has decreased dramatically. With this effort, we can combat the decline of the bobwhite quail,” said Dozier.

Producers interested in EQIP should submit a signed application (NRCS-CPA-1200 form) to the local NRCS field office or through the Farmers.gov website using their account. A blank NRCS-CPA-1200 application form may be obtained from the local office or on the Illinois NRCS website. Producers wishing to use Farmers.gov, can sign in or create an account by clicking on “Sign up” in the upper right of the website.

EQIP applications submitted by January 7, 2022 will be evaluated by local NRCS field office staff. The NRCS staff will work with applicants to assess land and resource concerns, answer ranking questions, and determine program eligibility. If an application is ranked high enough to be funded, NRCS staff will work with the applicant to develop a contract.

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program available for agricultural producers and forestry producers. Through EQIP, NRCS will 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 Mitchell Buck]

 

 

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