Source:  Press Release 11/4/10

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced December 17, 2010 as the deadline to qualify for funding through 2011 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in North Carolina. Landowners who wish to participate in this ranking and funding cycle should have their applications submitted to their local NRCS Field Office by close of business Friday the 17th.

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program administered by the NRCS. The program supports North Carolina farmers who have set compatible goals in both production agriculture and environmental quality. Through EQIP, farmers may receive financial and technical help to plan, design and install structural conservation practices, and to plan and implement management practices on eligible agricultural land.

EQIP is a competitive program. All applications that are received by December 17 will be ranked. The ranking system uses a combination of national, statewide and local criteria to help determine which applications are the most environmentally beneficial projects. Those projects that are ranked highest will be funded during this funding cycle. We encourage all those who wish to participate to continue to submit EQIP applications throughout the year in anticipation for future opportunities.

For more information about EQIP and eligibility, contact NRCS or your local Farm Service Agency today. 

Delivering Farm Bill conservation programs and “Helping People Help the Land” through finical and technical assistance is part of a cooperative conservation effort between many groups including NRCS, North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the Resource Conservation and Development Councils.