EQIP deadline extended

By Cindy Snyder, Ag Weekly correspondent
Friday, August 29, 2008 4:08 PM CDT

TWIN FALLS, Idaho - Producers interested in receiving cost-share assistance through the federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program have until Oct. 31 to complete their 2009 application - that’s an extension from the original July 14 deadline.

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, producers can receive financial assistance to install conservation practices such as irrigation systems, animal waste handling systems or livestock watering systems.

Applications are ranked and contracts awarded based on environmental benefit. Available conservation practices and cost-share vary from county to county based on natural resource priorities.

EQIP applications may be submitted at anytime during the year. However, the deadline for consideration of fiscal year 2009 contracts will close on Oct. 31, 2009. The ranking period will begin following the close of application acceptance.

Producers who are considering utilizing the program to install a conservation practice are encouraged to come into their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office as soon as possible to begin the process.

“The sooner producers come in, the sooner we can start the planning process,” said Steve Schuyler. “Thorough and accurate planning early on is crucial to avoid potential problems with contracts later.” He is the district conservationist for the NRCS in Twin Falls County.

Idaho awarded $9,390,680 in cost-share assistance through EQIP in 2008. Of that, $1,163,963 was awarded within Twin Falls County and allowed conservation practices to be installed on over 4,500 acres.

Comments »

Comment on this story

Comments will be approved within 48 hours

Name:

Email: (optional)

Comments:

Image Verification: (Case sensitive)