NRCS Florida Accepts EQIP, CSP Applications through November 1, 2024

GAINESVILLE, Florida, September 11, 2024 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida announces Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025) federal assistance opportunities for agricultural producers, including through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

While NRCS accepts applications year-round, Florida producers and landowners should apply no later than November 1, 2024, to be considered for funding in the FY2025 current cycle. If applications are received after the signup period for FY2025, applications will automatically be considered during future funding cycles.

Application cutoff periods allow NRCS to screen-and-rank applications for those with the highest conservation benefits across Florida’s landscapes, including cropland, grazing lands, and private non-industrial forestlands. Contract obligations for the highest ranked applications is scheduled for end of June 2025.

EQIP can help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands. It provides financial and technical assistance to address natural resource concerns. Benefits include conserving water; enhancing wildlife habitat; improving air, soil and water quality; mitigating impacts from climate change; and preventing soil erosion.

The CSP is for working lands and is the largest conservation program in the country. Thousands of people voluntarily enroll in the program, because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve their business operation. Landowners can earn CSP payments for conservation performance.

Inflation Reduction Act

This sign-up will include Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) CSP and EQIP funding opportunities. Inflation Reduction Act applications must include Climate Smart Agricultural and Forestry (CSAF) activities, supporting practices or activities may be requested in the IRA application but will only be included if they facilitate a CSAF practice.

Additionally, NRCS offers special initiatives, including:

• Organic Initiative – assists producers install conservation practices on certified organic operations or those working toward organic certification.
• On-Farm Energy Initiative – assists producers conserve energy on their operations.
• Urban Farms Initiative – assists urban agriculture producers involved in the cultivation of agricultural products in urban and suburban areas.
• Working Lands for Wildlife Initiative – provides financial and technical assistance to producers to enhance habitat and to aid in recovery of bobwhite quail and gopher tortoise.
• Longleaf Pine Initiative – Florida is one of nine states offering funding to help private landowners restore and manage longleaf pine using conservation practices such as site preparation, planting longleaf pine, installing firebreaks, conducting prescribed burning and controlling invasive plants.
• EQIP Conservation Incentive Contracts (CIC) provides financial assistance to address priority resource concerns, including sequestering carbon and improving soil health in high-priority areas. Conservation Incentive Contracts last five years.

Historically Underserved Producer Benefits

Special provisions are also available for historically underserved producers. For EQIP, historically underserved producers are eligible for advance payments to help offset costs related to purchasing materials or contracting services up front. In addition, historically underserved producers can receive higher EQIP payment rates (up to 90% of average cost). NRCS sets aside EQIP and CSP funds for historically underserved producers.

Application Requirements for All Programs

Applicants will need to provide records and forms necessary to establish farm records and certifications outlined below.

• Farm records established or updated with the Farm Service Agency for the applicant and the land
• Be in compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements
• Meet the adjusted gross income (AGI) and payment limitation provisions
• Applicable documentation required for signature authority
• Have control of land where “control” means possession of the land by ownership, lease or other agreement
• Written concurrence from the landowner to apply a structural or vegetative conservation practice
• Be in compliance with provisions for protecting the interests of tenants and sharecroppers

Applications are available at your local USDA Service Center or online on our Get Started with NRCS web page and will be accepted until November 1, 2024. For more info.

NRCS has 34 field offices throughout Florida with teams ready to help landowners with conservation programs. Contact your local NRCS field office and download the EQIP fact sheet and CSP fact sheet (PDF) for more information.

NRCS has provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America’s private landowners and managers conserve their soil, water, and other natural resources since 1935.

Contacts:

• Amber Till, Assistant State Conservationist for Financial Assistance Programs, amber.till@usda.gov
• Cynthia Portalatin, Public Affairs Specialist, cynthia.portalatin@usda.gov