Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

USDA-NRCS EQIP Signup Underway

The USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) principal sign-up period is December 15, 2005 through January 31, 2006.  After that, applications will still be accepted, but will be held in reserve.  As with last year, the state is expecting to distribute $25 million, mostly through county allocations.  There is a long list of conservation practices available for cost-share or incentive payments, ranging from conservation tillage to managed grazing and manure storage. Even compost dairy barn construction is eligible if there is an existing pollution problem that it would correct. Livestock mortality composting facilities are another cost-share practice of interest. Producers should head to their local NRCS office as soon as possible to begin their applications.  Consult the Minnesota NRCS Web site for details of practices and the application scoring process: http://www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov

	EQIP can increase farm profits, protect the environment  News release from Gary Wyatt, natural resources management educator
	MN 2005 State EQIP Signup and Application Information  USDA NRCS
	EQIP Education in Minnesota  U of M Water Resources Center