11-7 FB EQIP

 Producers interested in applying for several popular Natural Resources Conservation Service programs must complete applications by November 16, 2012 to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2013. The specific programs are the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Organic, On Farm Energy, Seasonal High Tunnel and Working Lands for Wildlife Initiatives. Environmental Quality Incentives ProgramIs otherwise known as EQIP. Here is Ron Brooks, EQIP Program Manager:“EQIP helps agricultural producers complete resource conservation projects and make conservation-related management changes on their farms or ranches.” The Organic Initiative can help certified and transitioning organic producers invest in conservation practices such as cover crops, nutrient management, or drip irrigation.

The On-Farm Energy Initiative offers producers the opportunity to develop Agricultural Energy Management Plans that assess their farms’ energy consumption for equipment and farm facilities. Or it can help producers to implement conservation practices identified in their Agricultural Energy Management Plan.