Indiana NRCS Encourages Farmers to Start Environmental Quality Incentives Program Application Process Early

Angie Garrison - NRCS District Conservationist 
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Hamilton / Tipton County agricultural producers who want to improve natural resources and address concerns on their land are encouraged to sign up early for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  While the application deadline is not currently set, Kerry Smith, NRCS District Conservationist, says the application deadline is usually mid to late December.  

“We take EQIP applications throughout the year, those not submitted by deadlines are deferred for future consideration.  I encourage producers with resource concerns on their land to contact our office as soon as possible to get the process started, ensuring your application is submitted in a timely manner,” Smith said.

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program available for agricultural producers.  Through EQIP, NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to install conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve soil health, improve water and air quality, and create wildlife habitat. 

Many applicants are interested in using funds to address soil erosion and water quality issues on their land. However, funds are also available for pasture and grazing land, confined livestock operations, organic producers, drainage water management, invasive plant control and wildlife habitat improvement.  

Producers interested in EQIP are encouraged to contact your local NRCS field office to start the conservation planning and application process early.  Hamilton county producers can contact Angie Garrison, NRCS District Conservationist, at (765) 482-6355, extension 3. Participants in EQIP must meet eligibility requirements.  NRCS staff will work with producers to determine eligibility and complete the necessary worksheets and rankings for the applicant to compete for funding.