Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program which addresses serious threats to soil, water, and related natural resources through 2 -10 year contracts.

Why should I be interested in EQIP?

You can receive technical, financial, and educational assistance to apply conservation solutions to your natural resource concerns.

Am I eligible?

You must be engaged in livestock or agricultural production and meet all conservation compliance conditions outlined by the current Farm Bill.  In order for your land to be enrolled in EQIP, you must be a food and fiber producer that is verified by an IRS Schedule For the land must have a documented natural resouce problem. Each area has different ranking criteria, application periods, eligible practices, and cost share rates.

To determine if your land is eligible, contact your local USDA Service Center or the District.

How do I apply?

You may apply at your local USDA Service Centers, FSA, NRCS, and Conservation District Offices.  EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis with at least one annual selection period established by the NRCS. You may also download the application from the  NRCS webpage at www.wa.nrcs.gov. Click on the programs link.

How is my application ranked?

NRCS will schedule a meeting with you to discuss the conservation needs of your farm and the practices needed to address them.  A conservation plan will be developed which outlines your decisions and the practices required to treat the identified resource concerns. Ranking determinations are made based on severity of the resource issue and significance of the environmental benefits.

How will I know if my project is funded?

You will be notified of your application funding status.

What will I receive for a cost share payment?

Once you are approved for EQIP funding, a 2 -10 year contract is developed by you and NRCS based on a conservation plan.  In most cases USDA will pay up to 75% of the cost eligible practices.   

Payment will be made once conservation practice installation is certified complete by NRCS and the bill for installing a conservation practice has been processed.  Payments are directly deposited to the approved applicant's bank of choice.

When can I implement my project?

You may begin implementing your conservation plan after receiving final EQIP approval notification from the NRCS.  The NRCS State Conservationist may grant a waiver to begin implementation prior to notification of approval.  You must complete at least one cost share practice within the first twelve months of an EQIP contract unless a waiver is granted by the NRCS State Conservationist.

Can I appeal a NRCS   decision?

All EQIP applicants have the appeal rights as described in USDA guidelines and policies.

Where do I get more information?

For additional information, contact your local USDA Service Center or Conservation District.

1386 SE Lund Ave. Suite 1, Port Orchard, WA  360-337-7171 FAX 360-337-7172