All New Mexico agricultural producers who would like to be considered for financial assistance under general 2021 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) or special conservation initiatives need to apply by tomorrow, January 8, 2021. Please see the news release for instructions to sign up for fiscal year 2021 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Ag Producers Should Take Advantage of Federal Program Assistance by January 8, 2021 Sign up Deadline
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Assistant State Conservationist for Programs Kenneth Branch, announced today that a sign up for fiscal year 2021 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is underway. All New Mexico agricultural producers who would like to be considered for financial assistance under general EQIP or special conservation initiatives need to apply by TOMORROW, January 8, 2021.
While producers can apply year-round for EQIP assistance, this application cutoff announcement is specific to the following National Initiatives, State Initiatives and Local Allocations:
1) General EQIP (Local Allocations)
2) Organic (Certified and Transitioning)
3) On-Farm Energy
4) Conservation Activity Plans
5) Strike Force Initiative
6) Lesser Prairie Chicken Initiative
7) NM High Tunnel (including Beginning Farmer and Rancher)
8) Source Water
9) National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI)
10) New Mexico Wildlife Initiative
11) Water SMART Initiative
12) Socially Disadvantaged
13) Beginning Farmer and Rancher
14) Joint Chiefs
i. Greater Santa Fe Fireshed
15) Tribal
16) Water Management Entities (WME)
Producers can apply by visiting their local NRCS field office and submitting their Conservation Program Application (NRCS-CPA-1200) or those who have established a Client Gateway account may submit their application online. Producers need to receive a farm and tract number from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) by the application deadline.
As we roll out a new Farm Bill to our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and private forests, Kevin Norton, Acting Chief of the NRCS announced some of our FY2021 Agency’s priorities;
Better understanding of our customer needs and improve overall customer service.
Streamline our processes and program delivery to best serve our customers.
We recognize the importance of partnerships and relationships.
Our success is based on our locally led process.
Elevate the importance of soil health across our agency through outreach and communication efforts to further enhance and promote the delivery of soil health principles to staff, customers and partners.
EQIP provides a targeted, science-based approach to restoring and protecting habitat while strengthening rural economies and cultivating collaboration among conservation partners. EQIP provides a flat rate payment to producers to install conservation practices, such as Cover Crops, Range Planting, Windbreaks, Residue Management No-Till, Riparian Forest Buffers, Watering Facilities, Fence, Tree Planting, and Wildlife Habitat Management.
NRCS provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment. You can find more Programs at NRCS Programs. For more information about NRCS New Mexico visit NRCS New Mexico.
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