Illinois EQIP 2023 Application Deadline Established

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[December 22, 2022]    Illinois agricultural producers and forestry managers who want to address or improve natural resources are encouraged to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Ivan Dozier, Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist, announced that January 6, 2023 will be the EQIP application deadline. “Producers can sign-up for EQIP at any time throughout the year, but to compete for the upcoming funding period, I encourage producers with resource concerns to submit an application by this application deadline.” Dozier explains.

With EQIP, producers can successfully address 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 customized conservation plans. New plan options are available for 2023 as well as existing options for Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP) and Forest Management Plans (FMP).

Producers interested in EQIP should submit a signed application (NRCS-CPA-1200 form) to the local NRCS field office or submit one 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 who wish to use Farmers.gov can sign in or create an account by clicking on the “Sign up” button in the upper right of the website.

EQIP applications submitted by January 6, 2023, will be evaluated by local NRCS field office staff. NRCS staff will work with each applicant to assess their 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 an EQIP 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 more information on EQIP, contact the local NRCS field office or visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov.

[Paige Buck, IL NRCS]

 

 

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