The USDA issued this announcement: All farmers and ranchers interested in conservation are encouraged to submit their applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for financial and technical assistance.
Administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), EQIP applications will be screened and ranked on an ongoing basis, with the best projects receiving priority consideration.
EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits.
These include improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health, improved irrigation efficiency, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, forest restoration and creating or enhancing wildlife habitat.
“In fiscal year 2020, we invested over $94 million in California’s farm, ranch and non-industrial forestland using the EQIP program,” said Carlos Suarez, state conservationist for NRCS California.
“Investments were made primarily in forest restoration, water conservation, water quality, soil and rangeland health, air quality, and wildlife habitat.”
For additional information, interested farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local NRCS Service Center.
