USDA 2013 conservation cost share program sign-ups

Posted: Friday, April 5, 2013 8:00 pm

The USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service is announcing that agricultural producers who want to receive 2014 funding in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) may sign applications now. Sign-up is year around however signing an application now through this fall will ensure landowners have the best opportunity to receive funding in 2014. EQIP is a voluntary program for agricultural landowner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals while addressing natural resource concerns. Funding in the amount of 75 percent to 90 percent is available for installing conservation measures that treat a variety of resource concerns on multiple landuses.
The funds from EQIP help farmers improve the natural resources on private working lands in Tennessee. Conservation practices help the environment while also making the land more productive by addressing issues like water and air quality, energy conservation, erosion control, wildlife habitat and watershed protection.
Once an application is submitted, a conservation planner will meet with the applicant to assess resource and conservation concerns so a plan can be developed. When an application is funded an EQIP contract will be developed that includes practices, engineering designs and program requirements so the landowner can install planned measures. Interested agricultural landowners and farmers are encouraged to contact the local NRCS office at the USDA Service Center, 196 Hunt Street in Dresden (731-364-5430) for more information. Additional information on EQIP and other available USDA conservation programs can be found at www.tn.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/. NRCS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
 Published in the WCP 4.4.13