The U.S. Department of Agriculture is announcing fiscal year 2022 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for two key programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. While USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts applications for these programs year-round, Michigan producers and landowners should apply by Jan. 14, 2022 for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and designated Regional Conservation Partnership Program projects.
Through conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat the impacts of climate change.
“NRCS conservation programs are good for Michigan’s natural resources and for your operation’s bottom line,” said NRCS State Conservationist Garry Lee. “Whether this is your first time working with NRCS or you want to take conservation to the next level on your land, we encourage you to contact your local NRCS field office to learn more.”
Applying for Assistance
NRCS accepts applications for its conservation programs year-round. State Technical Committees, composed of representatives from conservation and agricultural-related organizations, work with NRCS to set state-specific, ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding. These dates account for producer needs, staff workload and ensure potential participants have ample opportunity to apply. Producers should apply by their state’s ranking dates to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Funding is provided through a competitive process.
Ranking dates for all programs and states are available at nrcs.usda.gov/staterankingdates. Applications received after ranking dates will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.
Producers, landowners and forest managers interested in applying for assistance should contact the NRCS at their local USDA Service Center.
Program Options
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program provides cost share assistance for producers to use 170-plus conservation practices to address a wide variety of resource concerns. Within the program, Conservation Incentive Contracts allow producers to further target priority resource concerns. The Conservation Stewardship Program helps producers take their conservation activities to the next level through comprehensive conservation and advanced conservation activities. The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program helps producers enroll wetlands, grasslands and farmlands into easements for long-term protection. Additionally, through the Regional Conservaton Partnership Program, producers and landowners can work with partners who are co-investing with NRCS on targeted projects.
Historically Underserved Producer Benefits
Special provisions are also available for historically underserved producers. For EQIP, historically underserved producers are eligible for advance payments to help offset costs related to purchasing materials or contracting services up front. In addition, historically underserved producers can receive higher Environmental Quality Incentives Program payment rates (up to 90% of average cost). NRCS sets aside Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program funds for historically underserved producers.
Conservation Practices and Climate
NRCS conservation programs play a critical role in USDA’s commitment to partnering with farmers, ranchers, forest landowners and local communities to deliver climate solutions that strengthen agricultural operations and rural America. States may prioritize a variety of voluntary conservation practices through these NRCS programs, including those that support climate-smart agriculture and forestry (CSAF).
In fiscal year 2022, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program will provide targeted funding for CSAF practices, and Conservation Incentive Contracts – a new Environmental Quality Incentives Program – will be available nationwide with an emphasis on CSAF practices. Building on these efforts, NRCS will also prioritize climate investments through Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, Regional Conservation Partnership Program and Conservation Innovation Grants.