By Kate Hansen, former staff member
For producers who sustained damage during the Aug. 10 derecho, the Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a funding opportunity to help restore conservation practices, with an application deadline of Oct. 2.
Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), $4 million in financial assistance is available to impacted farmers in the 42 counties included in the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. During this special sign up, eligible applicants will receive higher than normal EQIP practice payment rates.
Financial assistance is available for a number of practices, including seeding cover crops on impacted fields, replacing damaged high tunnel systems, roofs, roof runoff structures, and covers previously funded by NRCS. At their discretion and based on specific circumstances, state conservationists may also grant early start waivers.
Prior to tilling or harvesting derecho-impacted cropland, producers are also advised to review their conservation compliance plans, and contact their crop insurance agent as needed.
Applications are being accepted now. Interested producers should contact their local NRCS service center as soon as possible. To find your local service center, click here.
More information about this special EQIP signup period can be found here.
