Natural Resources Conservation Service sets deadline Environmental Quality Incentives Program Sign Ups

Little Rock, Ark. – Farmers and landowners in Arkansas have until March 11, 2005, to submit applications to receive cost-share assistance to implement conservation activities through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applicants can sign up at the Natural Resources Conservation Service office at their local USDA Service Center.

“This is a valuable tool to help our state’s agricultural producers meet the significant environmental regulations they face, while continuing to be good stewards of the land.  EQIP helps them implement conservation practices that protect our natural resources, while being compatible with production practices,” said Kalven L. Trice, state conservationist.

Individuals and other entities engaged in livestock and/or crop production are eligible to participate in EQIP.  Eligible land includes cropland, pasture, private non-industrial forest land, and other farm and ranch lands.

EQIP in Arkansas is specifically designed to address the resource concerns of water quality issues related to animal manure management and sediment, improved management of irrigation water and reduction in ground water use, reduction of erosion, and improvement of wildlife habitat.  All applications will be evaluated for funding based on a state developed procedure to optimize environmental benefits.  Applications ranking highest in a funding category will be funded while funds are available.

Cost-share rates are set at 50 percent for most practices with some receiving 75 percent and a few receiving 40 percent.  Some practices have payment caps that cannot be exceeded in a single contract.  Applicants qualifying as a Limited Resource Farmer may be eligible to receive an additional 15 percent.  If a contract is not fulfilled, repayment of cost-shares already paid may be required in addition to a cost recovery equal to 20 percent of the full contract amount.

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