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EQIP Brochure

Environmental
Quality
Incentives
Program

What Is EQIP?

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is the heart of NRCS conservation programs. With more federal funding provided in the 2002 Farm Bill, EQIP is the primary tool for private landowners who want to put soil and water conservation on the ground in the Midwest and across the nation.

How Does EQIP Work?

EQIP provides technical assistance and cost-share payments to producers. EQIP plan of operations are developed with producers and conservation professionals.

Plans that are selected and funded receive cost-share--money to help turn that plan into reality. The NRCS goal is to help landowners protect soil and water resources and EQIP funds are dedicated to putting dollars in the hands of those individuals. Cost-share rates vary from state to state, but range from 40-75 percent of the cost of conservation practices. For new or limited resource farmers, even more financial assistance is  available.

EQIP addresses natural resource issues associated with livestock operations and agricultural production. Funds are directed toward operations and projects that offer the greatest environmental benefit.

How can EQIP Help My Operation and My Land?

  • Terraces
  • Conservation tillage
  • Nutrient management plans
  • Designs and plans for animal waste management structures
  • Fencing materials and designs
  • Forest stand improvement, thinning
  • Wetland restoration
  • Grazing management plans and materials
  • Streambank protection
  • Grassed waterways
  • Plans and seed for buffers and filter strips
  • Pest management

Is EQIP For You?

If you have natural resource concerns on your land and are interested in making a commitment to conservation, EQIP could be the answer. NRCS resource professionals are here to help you make the best conservation plan for your land. EQIP could provide the funds you need to make it happen. Is EQIP your natural resource solution? Contact your local NRCS office and find out!

How Can I Learn More?

To learn more about the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, contact your local USDA Service Center, listed in the telephone book under U.S. Department of Agriculture, or your conservation district. Information is also available on the following web site:

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/  Or visit your state NRCS web site:

Illinois: http://il.nrcs.usda.gov
Indiana: http://in.nrcs.usda.gov
Iowa: http://ia.nrcs.usda.gov
Michigan: http://mi.nrcs.usda.gov
Minnesota: http://mn.nrcs.usda.gov
Missouri: http://mo.nrcs.usda.gov
Ohio: http://oh.nrcs.usda.gov
Wisconsin: http://wi.nrcs.usda.gov
 

October/2003

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).

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