06/03/08 EQIP signup

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service says the deadline for 2009 Environmental Quality Incentives Program signup is July 14th. Bob Bartholomew says evaluation and ranking of applications will start right after the deadline. BARTHOLOMEW "We're hoping then that will allow us to begin selecting and actually funding contracts early in the fiscal year which would be in October or November." Bartholomew calls EQIP the premier conservation program for what it can do by paying up to 75 percent of the eligible conservation practice costs. BARTHOLOMEW "Here in Idaho we've had special initiatives where we've gone and targeted again a species of concern. We're looking to use the program in the future to try to do things for sage grouse in particular. It allows us to put emphasis on irrigation practices. We're looking at new ways to address energy concerns." He also expects Idaho receive more funding for EQIP under the new farm bill. So far this year eleven million dollars have gone into Idaho conservation practices. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott