USDA releases final rule on Environmental Quality Incentives Program, sets 2003 application deadline

Little Rock, AR, May 30, 2003—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has released the final rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. The 2002 Farm Bill reauthorized and amended the program.

The final rule, published in the Federal Register on May 30, 2003, describes how the program will be implemented. A total of $9,855,000 in fiscal year 2003 funds has been made available for EQIP in Arkansas.

The application cut-off date for the 2003 EQIP in Arkansas is June 13. Applications received after this date will be held for consideration in next year's program

"This is a valuable tool to help our state’s agricultural producers meet the significant environmental regulation they face, while continuing to be good stewards of the land. EQIP not only helps them implement conservation practices that protect our natural resources, but also meet air quality regulations and mitigate further damage to natural resources in areas severely impacted by the drought," said Kalven L. Trice, state conservationist.

The final rule revises the purpose of EQIP to optimize environmental benefits and clarifies definitions and terms—especially definitions for individuals, persons and eligibility issues.

EQIP—one of the largest programs in the Farm Bill—is a voluntary conservation program that promotes environmental quality and assists producers to meet local, state and federal regulations. EQIP funds help farmers and ranchers reduce soil erosion, improve water use efficiencies and protect grazing land by installing conservation practices that protect natural resources.

Agricultural producers interested in participating in EQIP can apply at any time at their local NRCS office or USDA Service Center. NRCS will evaluate each application and give higher priority to those applications that use cost-effective conservation practices; treat multiple resource concerns; address national, state or local priorities; and provide the most environmental benefits.

EQIP sign-up information is available from the local NRCS office or on the Web at http://www.ar.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/eqip2003.html. In addition to the application form, there is a list of practices and costs, and specifics on Arkansas' ranking process, including criteria used to evaluate applications.

The final rule and additional information on EQIP and other conservation programs can be viewed at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/index.html.

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