For immediate release

Ranking date extended for popular conservation program

SPOKANE, Wash. (June 23, 2009) – Washington’s most popular agricultural conservation program’s application ranking cut-off date for fiscal year 2010 funding has been extended to August 14, 2009, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced recently.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary, technical and financial assistance program to help farmers improve irrigation efficiency; manage nutrient run-off and/or animal waste; improve the health of native plant communities; and reduce soil loss. In most instances, producers who participate in the program pay for roughly half of the costs of the conservation measures or practices.

“Applicants who want to be considered for a fiscal year 2010 EQIP contract need to have a signed application on file by that date,” NRCS Assistant State Conservationist Dave Brown said. “Based on an estimate of funding availability, selected applicants will work with NRCS staff to develop conservation plans that serve as the basis for their EQIP contracts,” he said.

In 2007 and 2008, Washington agricultural producers qualified for more than $34 million in financial assistance through the program, according to the NRCS.

Brown said that while NRCS programs operate on a year-round signup basis, and producers can file applications at any time, periodic ranking deadlines are established so applications on file at that time can be evaluated for the next available funding allocation. 

“Because eligibility requirements changed with the new Farm Bill,” Brown said, “interested producers are encouraged to submit applications early to ensure they have time to update eligibility information prior to the deadline.”

Interested agricultural producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA service center office or check the agency’s web site at www.wa.nrcs.usda.gov for more information.

-30-

An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Helping People Help the Land

316 W. Boone, Suite 450
Spokane, WA  99201
509-323-2900

< Back to... News