State Conservationist JB Martin today announced USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is taking applications for technical and financial assistance offered under the Conservation Irrigation Conversion Project.   The Conservation Irrigation Conversion Project is funded through NRCS Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) and is sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Division of Soil and Water Conservation.  Applications should be submitted to the local NRCS field office by July 15, 2011.

To be considered for assistance under the project, applications should address two priority areas:  
1. The primary priority is converting irrigation gun systems to center pivot/ lateral move irrigation systems, or retrofitting center pivot/ lateral move irrigation systems. The area of focus for this priority is the North Carolina Coastal Plains.  A payment cap of $16,250 will be in place for any applicant under this priority area.  
2. The secondary priority is implementing strawberry row covers to protect crops from freeze damage.  Any applications received under this priority area will be considered for funding after the primary priority applications are processed.

Producers interested in participating in the project must meet all Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) eligibility requirements. Information on EQIP and eligibility can be found on the North Carolina NRCS Web page at www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov, or by contacting a local NRCS field office.