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RALEIGH, N.C., February 16, 2023–The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications for a second enrollment in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, however, NRCS establishes application "cut-off" or submission deadline dates for evaluation, ranking and approval of eligible applications. To be considered for current available funding including IRA funds, applicants should have their applications into the local field office by March 22, 2024.
The EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat.
How It Works
NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP. Some producers may also qualify for advance payment.
How To Get Started
The first step is to contact your local NRCS office. An NRCS conservation planner will schedule a visit to your property. They will walk the land with you to discuss your goals and review any resource concerns. Following the site visit, the conservation planner will develop a conservation plan that includes a variety of conservation practices or activities to address the resource concerns and management goals discussed.
“NRCS works hard to help eligible farmers and private landowners plan and carry out conservation practices that can benefit all North Carolina's residents by providing clean air and water, healthy, and productive forests, and healthy soils. These programs are vital to those goals," said Tim Beard, state conservationist for NRCS in North Carolina.
To get started, please visit your local USDA Service Center. To find the nearest center visit USDA Service Center Locator.