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Applications for conservation grants due soon in some states

The USDA NRCS is still accepting applications for funding through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) until Feb. 11. The program offers producers financial assistance to make conservation improvements to their land and/or practices.

The contracts offer producers annual incentive payments of varying amounts, as well as conservation evaluation and monitoring activities to help manage natural resource concerns.

“Climate change is happening, and America’s agricultural communities are on the front lines,” said Kasey Taylor, NRCS state conservationist in a statement. “We have to continue to support and expand the adoption of conservation approaches to support producers in their work to address the climate crisis and build more resilient operations. We are continuously working to improve our programs to ensure we’re giving Delaware farmers the best tools to conserve natural resources.”

Eligible practices include conservation-minded drainage water management and irrigation water management, as well as other activities such as nutrient management, and residue and tillage management.

For more information on eligible practices, criteria and other application processes, go to nrcs.usda.gov and search Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Applications are accepted year-round, but in some states, they are due soon, including:

• Arizona (conservation incentive contracts due Feb. 8)
• California (conservation incentive contracts due Apr. 1)
• Florida (conservation incentive contracts due Feb. 2, general EQIP applications due March 4)
• Kentucky (conservation incentive contracts due Feb. 2)
• Louisiana (conservation incentive contracts due Feb. 4)
• Maryland (conservation incentive contracts due Apr. 1)
• Massachusetts (general EQIP applications due March 18)
• Missouri (conservation incentive contracts due Feb. 25)
• Montana (conservation incentive contracts due Feb. 18)
• Rhode Island (general EQIP applications and conservation incentive contracts due Apr. 8)
• Utah (general EQUIP applications due Apr. 1)
• Vermont (general EQUIP applications and conservation incentive contracts due Apr. 1)
• Virginia (conservation incentive contracts due Apr. 1)
• Washington (conservation incentive contracts due Apr. 1)
• Wyoming  (conservation incentive contracts due March 4)