The Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent the following information June 21, re the environmental quality incentives program (EQIP):

Assistance Helps Farmers and Ranchers Conserve Natural Resources

Application deadline for financial assistance is Sept. 1

GAINESVILLE, Fla., June 21, 2021 — Florida farmers, ranchers and forest owners can apply until Sept. 1 for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2022 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
• On-farm Energy
• Longleaf Pine
• Working Lands for Wildlife
• 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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