USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program

• What It Is: The NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial cost-sharing and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat. Funding is available for projects relating to nutrient management, forest management, agricultural energy management, irrigation water, grazing systems, integrated pest management, drainage, fish and wildlife, pollinator habitat, herbicide resistant weed management and much more. For a complete list of funding pools, visit the EQIP website above.

• Eligibility: Generally, agricultural producers, owners of non-industrial private forest land, and tribes are eligible to apply for EQIP. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, non-industrial private forest land and other farm or ranch lands. Scan the QR code to see more information on Eligibility Requirements.

USDA Farm Service Agency Conservation Reserve Program

• What It Is – The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a land conservation program administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). In exchange for a yearly rental payment, farmers enrolled in the program agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production, and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Most of the program administered through the CRP are focused on riparian and wetland edges. Contracts for land enrolled in CRP are 10-15 years in length. The long-term goal of the program is to re-establish valuable land cover to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and reduce loss of wildlife habitat. Visit the link above for more program information.

• Eligibility – For a complete list of producer and land eligibility requirements, as well as a how-to for beginning the application process, scan the QR code to go to the CRP enrollment page.

USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)

• What It Is –  Conservation Innovation Grants are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production on farms, ranches, and private forests – with the ultimate goal of improving water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. Scan the QR code for more program information.
• Eligibility –  Private Producers, NGO’s.  Applicants must meet the criteria for participating in the CIG program.