NRCS Announces 2nd EQIP Sign up for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for Climate-Smart Agriculture

Kristina “Tina” Jerome, Acting State Conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), announced a second sign up for the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). 

The funding for NRCS-OK includes an additional 3.3 million for IRA-EQIP. IRA funding levels are proposed to dramatically increase in Fiscal Year 2024.

Acting State Conservationist Jerome was informed that some producers did not receive the information regarding Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s IRA Funding announcement in February. “It is a top priority in Oklahoma for all landowners and producers to have equal opportunity to participate in programs,” Jerome said.  

Oklahomans whose land use includes cropland, rangeland, pasture and private non-industrial forestland are eligible to apply. Second round applications will be accepted through Monday, May 1, 2023.

EQIP activities are carried out according to a site-specific conservation plan developed in conjunction with the producer. Any funded conservation practices will be installed according to NRCS standards and specifications.

Oklahoma producers who apply are responsible for completing application and eligibility paperwork as required by the May 1 deadline. For more information on how to apply, please read the news release

The 2018 Farm Bill provides for voluntary participation, offers incentives, and focuses on equity in accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and services. Oklahoma is committed to reaching out to historically underserved individuals and groups who may also receive higher payment rates. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) includes provisions that address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource, and veteran farmers and ranchers. Enhancements include increased payment rates and advance payments of up to 50 percent to purchase materials and services needed to implement conservation practices included in their EQIP contract.  

While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline to ensure their operations are considered for FY 2023 funding.  

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure, and clean energy capabilities in rural America. This administration is committed to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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