Kalee Olson, policy associate, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext. 1022; Teresa Hoffman, senior communications associate, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext. 1012
CURRIE, MINNESOTA – Minnesota farmers interested in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) need to submit initial paperwork by Nov. 18.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), EQIP provides financial and technical assistance for producers interested in implementing conservation in their operation while maintaining agricultural production.
“EQIP creates a unique opportunity for farmers who are new to conservation to try a practice and decide if it’s a good fit for their operation,” said Kalee Olson, policy associate for the Center for Rural Affairs.
EQIP contracts are typically one to three years and designed to address a particular resource concern with a single practice or project, such as mitigating erosion through no-till or cover crops. In addition, the program offers assistance for structural practices, such as building terraces.
When applying, producers are encouraged to share their status as an organic or transitioning-to-organic farmer, as well as any beginning or socially disadvantaged status.
“Sharing this information during the initial application process ensures these producers will be considered for special initiatives or funding pools,” Olson said.
In 2021, Minnesota producers received about $27 million in funding to implement conservation practices across 129,000 acres.
Farmers interested in applying for the program are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible to set up an appointment. A list of local offices can be found at offices.sc.egov.usda.gov.
