Agricultural News
EQIP Applications Due January 16th
Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:34:33 CST
The head of the Oklahoma Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is reminding producers that applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) must be submitted by January 16, 2015. Gary O'Neill, NRCS State Conservationist for Oklahoma said EQIP is available to producers and landowners active in agricultural or forest production engaged in livestock, agricultural, or forest production on eligible land that have a natural resource concern to be addressed.
EQIP provides financial assistance for eligible producers to help plan and implement conservation practices that address existing natural resource concerns and for opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. Another purpose of EQIP is to help producers meet Federal, State, Tribal, and local environmental regulations. There are several special cost share funding assistance programs that are available through the EQIP. Some of these include programs such as Organic Farming, Seasonal High Tunnel Houses, AFO/CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) Waste Management, Lagoon Closures, Irrigation Water Conservation, and others. Producers are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office for details about all of these and other programs that might be available to them.
"EQIP is an important Farm Bill conservation program that helps established farmers as well as beginning, historically underserved, and limited resource producers," O'Neill said. "This is another example of the work of NRCS in Oklahoma and our efforts together with our partners to address environmental conservation issues and strengthen Oklahoma's rural economy."
Eligible landowners and operators in Oklahoma need to apply for EQIP through their local NRCS office by January 16, 2015 to be considered for the current ranking period. While local offices accept EQIP applications throughout the year, NRCS evaluates applications during announced ranking periods. To be eligible for this enrollment period, producers need to have their applications submitted to NRCS by January 16.
Since there are changes that have been made in the EQIP Program under the new Farm Bill, it is important that producers and landowners learn more about this year's EQIP by viewing the NRCS website by clicking here or by calling or visiting a local NRCS field office.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...