EQIP Application Deadlines For Plans in Illinois announced

[October 31, 2018]    The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced an Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) application deadline of November 2, 2018 for Illinois agricultural and forestry producers.

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

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]