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For Immediate Release
Date: December 11, 2007

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

Get Your EQIP Applications in; Access ’08 Funds Now!

Champaign IL—With Fiscal Year 2008 EQIP funds still remaining, Illinois NRCS will conduct a third application batching period for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that will run until January 25th, 2008. All eligible applications and contracts collected by that date will be considered for funding with the remaining $6 million available for cost-share assistance. EQIP funding categories at this time include:

  • Grazing Land Operations
  • General EQIP
  • Confined Livestock Operations
  • Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs)
  • Forest Management Plans
  • Forest Management Implementation

“All Illinois landowners with approved EQIP plans and contracts will receive a letter from their NRCS District Conservationist that explains the process—what you need to do and what not to do in order to be eligible for financial assistance,” says NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle. Illinois NRCS gathered and ranked the second batch of new EQIP applications last month, obligating another $6.5 million for more than 500 new contracts that will put quality conservation solutions on the ground.

“Although the new Farm Bill has not yet been finalized, FY08 funds for EQIP are available right now. NRCS is authorized to plan and work with Illinois producers to get conservation on the ground,” adds Assistant State Conservationist for Programs Ivan Dozier. While USDA and NRCS state and national budgets are still operating under a Continuing Resolution, NRCS is committed to stay on task and has adequate staff budgets to deliver traditional conservation technical assistance.

“EQIP was a crucial part of the 2002 Farm Bill, and it will continue to offer valuable guidance and natural resource protection in the future. It’s still the best conservation program we’ve got,” says Gradle. Landowners prepared to begin resource planning that addresses soil, water, and wildlife issues on their ground are urged to take the first step and get signed up for remaining 2008 NRCS EQIP funds in Illinois.

 

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