For Immediate Release
Date: February 21, 2007

Contact:
Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606

$3 Million Still Available for NRCS EQIP Applications

 CHAMPAIGN, IL— Illinois producers have until March 9, 2007 to complete plans and applications for this fourth and final 2007 batching and selection period for NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Illinois’ total fiscal year 2007 EQIP allocation was $14,300,000. NRCS has obligated $11,300,000 in EQIP contracts, leaving $3 million available for additional EQIP contracts. Applications already submitted that did not meet ranking criteria requirements will be considered, as will applications that were incomplete. All 2007 funds for the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP), $479,000, have been obligated.

According to NRCS State Farm Bill Coordinator Paula Hingson EQIP has a continuous sign-up process for applicants. Since last October, three cutoff dates have been issued and used to select qualifying applicants. “We’re looking for producers who are ready for EQIP and have high-quality plans that are ready to go. If you’ve been ready or waiting to apply for the program and thought you’d missed the final cut-off, you might want to step forward and see if this conservation program would help address any soil or water-related problems you have on the farm,” says Hingson.

NRCS encourages producers to visit their local NRCS office to discuss issues, ideas, or resource-related problems. “NRCS staff is here to sit down, look at each producers situation and help them develop a plan that will work for them and their operation. If the EQIP program looks like it will work and help cover expenses, we’ll get an application submitted. If another program fits better, we’ll take a look at that too,” explains Hingson.

EQIP promotes agricultural production and environmental quality where farmers receive financial and technical assistance to help install structural conservation practices and to implement management systems that promote conservation.

NRCS State Conservationist adds, “We hope that NRCS conservation programs and incentives will eliminate the financial barriers that keep some producers from addressing problems that affect their feeding operations and farmsteads.” To learn more about EQIP or to view ranking criteria and cost-share assistance rates, visit http://www.il.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/index.html

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NRCS - Helping People Help the Land

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