ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM
US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA), USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SEVICE (NRCS)
Program Purpose
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is intended to provide technical and financial assistance to individuals, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and tribes engaged in agricultural production to implement NRCS approved conservation practices to mitigate natural resource concerns such as soil erosion, water quality, wildlife habitat, water quantity, air quality, plant condition, etc.
Deadline to Apply
December 16, 2016 For FY 2017 funding, date subject to change each year. FY 2018 funding TBA.
Eligibility Description
Individuals, businesses, NGO’s and tribes engaged in agricultural production.
Special Conditions
Technical and financial assistance funds available to individuals, businesses, NGO’s or tribes
Funding Availability
Funding Potential for Award–Approximately $18,000,000 in New Mexico
Range of Awards–Contracts range up to a maximum of $450,000 per farm bill.
Funding Cycle – Duration–For FY 2017 contracts will be selected by mid-June, 2017. Contract lengths are 1-10 years. Emphasis is placed on shorter term contracts, 1-3 years.
Source of Funds–This is a federally funded program managed by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Application Process
Deadline–December 16, 2016 is the deadline for applications to be considered for funding in FY 2017. Deadlines for FY 2018 funding is TBA
How to Apply–Visit the New Mexico NRCS website http://www.nm.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip or contact a local NRCS field office.
Selection Criteria & Decision Authority–Applications are evaluated and ranked at the local level. Selections are based on the ranking score and fund availability.
Authorization
Agricultural Act of 2014
Related Programs
Conservation Stewardship Program
Frequently Asked Questions:
Please contact the USDA NRCS with questions.