EQIP Quick Facts

This page briefly describes basic information about the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

• Individuals, groups and entities who own or manage farmland, pastureland or non-industrial forest land are eligible to apply.

• Producers with an annual minimum of $1,000 of agricultural products produced and/or sold are eligible to apply. This requirement does not apply to applicants with forest land.

• Contracts can last from 2 to 10 years.

• Payments are limited to $300,000 per participant over a 6 year period.

• There is no minimum acreage requirement to apply for EQIP, however, projects that address significant resource concerns are more likely to receive funding.

• Participants will be reimbursed for part of the cost of installing conservation practices after the practices have been installed. Many participants choose to finance associated costs through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), or other private lending agencies.

• Beginning, socially disadvantaged and limited-resource farmers may be eligible for higher payment rates. Click on the links to find out if you are eligible.

• Beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers may be eligible to receive up to 30 percent of their NRCS payments in advance for purchasing materials or contracting.

• You may sign up for this program at any time through your local NRCS office. Applications are accepted all year, but are reviewed in a competitive ranking process when funding becomes available - usually once each year.

Last modified: 11/17/2009