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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 two application
deadlines for March 20, 2020 and April 17, 2020. Producers are
encouraged to submit applications by one of the application
deadlines if they are interested in the program.
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 inter-seeding, 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 their local NRCS
field office. Applications submitted by March 20, 2020 and April
17, 2020 will be evaluated by NRCS staff for the funding period
submitted.
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Applicants must meet program eligibility requirements
to participate in EQIP. Local NRCS field office staff will work with
applicants to assess the land and answer ranking questions. 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/
[Paige Buck
Public Affairs Officer
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service] |
