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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 that are 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 an application
deadline for January 8, 2021. 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 a plan,
such as Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs), Grazing
Plans, Drainage Water Management Plans, and more.
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.
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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 8, 2021 will be evaluated by
local NRCS field office staff. The NRCS staff will work with an
applicant to assess the land and resource concerns, answer ranking
questions, and determine program eligibility. If an application is
ranked high enough to be funded, the 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/
[Mitchell Buck, Paige - NRCS,
Champaign] |
