Source:  PRESS RELEASE, 11/26/14

North Carolina Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is encouraging producers interested in the Farm Bill’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to establish eligibility and apply for the program today.  NRCS is anticipating funding opportunities through EQIP to be made available soon.

Through EQIP, eligible applicants can apply to receive assistance to implement proven technical practices to better their current management of natural resources and address natural resource issues such as soil erosion, soil health, water and air quality, and wildlife habitat. There are also special emphasis opportunities through EQIP for organics, on farm energy improvements, Longleaf Pine, seasonal high tunnels, forestry and wildlife habitat.

All eligible applications received at the local NRCS field offices by close of business on January 16, 2015, will be considered for the first funding opportunity.  If funding is still available through the program; eligible applications received by close of business on March 20 and May 15 will be considered until all funds are exhausted.

Interested applicants must contact their local NRCS field office to establish eligibility. All applicants will also need to have an active Conservation Plan. A Conservation Plan is a voluntary plan that helps landowners to develop a record of natural resource management decisions on their land. The plan identifies your natural resource management goals and connects those goals to Farm Bill technical and financial assistance.

For more information on NRCS and Farm Bill natural resource conservation assistance, please contact your local NRCS field office today. NRCS is an agency of the United Stated Department of Agriculture. All programs administered by NRCS are authorized by the Farm Bill, are voluntary, and are available to all eligible landowners.