Farmers Are Encouraged to Sign Up for New EQIP Program
 

(AMHERST), February 3—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)—a popular conservation cost-share program that has been revised for 2003, aiming to be more farmer-friendly. Applications can be submitted throughout the year, but farmers are reminded that the lion’s share of EQIP funding is usually allocated in the spring.

“We’re expecting a significant increase in funding for the EQIP program this year; which means more farmers will be able to participate, more projects can be funded and more conservation projects will get completed,” State Conservationist Cecil B. Currin said.

EQIP provides technical assistance with conservation planning and awards cost-share dollars directly to farmers to offset the cost of conservation projects.

“We’d like to see farmers come in now to update their conservation plans before the busy spring season arrives,” Currin said. “Conservation planning is part of the application process. We can look at EQIP projects that weren’t funded last year as well as new project ideas.”

The purpose of EQIP in 2003 is to promote agricultural production while optimizing benefits to the environment.

NRCS officials said a wider variety of conservation projects will be eligible for cost-share funding in 2003, including some innovative practices. In general, farmers can use EQIP funding for ag waste management systems, livestock grazing systems, crop management systems, nutrient management, pest management, forest improvement and erosion control.

“Farmers shouldn’t assume this is the same old EQIP program,” Currin warned. “EQIP was revised in the 2002 Farm Bill and the changes are going to benefit local farmers.”

Most of the Farm Bill revisions are already in effect. These changes:
- Make all areas of the state eligible for EQIP,
- Raise the maximum contract limit from $50,000 to $450,000 so more projects will qualify,
- Streamline the ranking process for EQIP applications,
- And require a comprehensive nutrient management plan if the contract includes a manure waste system.

EQIP is a federal conservation program handled by NRCS—an agency within the US Department of Agriculture. NRCS conservation specialists work hand-in-hand with landowners to protect and enhance the quality of land and water resources throughout Massachusetts. EQIP is one program among many types of conservation assistance offered by NRCS. For more information, locate your local NRCS office in the phone book under United States Department of Agriculture, visit www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/map.htm or call 413-253-4351 to ask for a referral.

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