The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a Nov. 20 deadline to apply for the Environmental Quality Icentives Program (EQIP), a federal effort to encourage environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Information was disseminated in a news release, as follows:
USDA’s Assistance Helps Farmers and Ranchers Conserve Natural Resources
GAINESVILLE, Fla., Oct. 8, 2020 — Florida farmers, ranchers and forest owners can apply until Nov. 20 for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2021 funding. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis for all programs, funding selections are typically made once a year.
Through EQIP, agricultural landowners may receive financial and technical assistance to improve soil, water, air, plants, animals and related resources. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, private non-industrial forestland and other farm or ranch lands. The application deadline also applies to the following EQIP-funded initiatives:
- Organic Producer Initiative
- Seasonal High Tunnels
- On-farm Energy Initiative
- Longleaf Pine Initiative
- Working Lands for Wildlife
- Working Lands for Wildlife Bobwhite Quail
- Strikeforce
Applications will be evaluated for funding based on local, state, and nationally developed criteria to optimize environmental benefits. Applications ranking highest in a funding category will be funded according to priority and is subject to the availability of program funds.
Visit your local NRCS field office to learn more.
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