NRCS announces 2021 EQIP Classic signup

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced this week that the application deadlines for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Classic in Washington state with a strong focus on conservation planning, conservation implementation, and solving natural resource concerns. EQIP is a voluntary, technical and financial assistance program designed to help farmers, ranchers, private forestland owners, Tribes and other private landowners/managers with the application of conservation measures, such as: forestland health improvements, irrigation efficiency, nutrient run-off and/or animal waste management; improving native plant community health, removing manmade instream obstructions for fish passage, and reducing soil loss from wind or rain. In most instances, program participants can expect to pay roughly half of the costs associated with implementation of the conservation measures or practices. Each applicant must establish themselves as a USDA customer and obtain all Farm Service Agency (FSA) eligibility requirements by Nov. 20, 2020. Please note, Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) determination takes an average three weeks to be processed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is highly recommended that applicants submit their completed AGI form to FSA several weeks prior to the FSA eligibility determination deadline of Nov. 20, 2020. Submitting your AGI form to FSA on the last day of the application period will result in your AGI eligibility not being met within Protracts by the deadline for fiscal year 2021. Although applications are accepted on a year-round basis, eligible applicants interested in EQIP Classic must have completed the following actions by Nov. 20, 2020, to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2021:

• Obtain all necessary FSA eligibility determinations (AD1026, AGI, FTE) within Protracts.
• Submit their CCC-1200 EQIP application to their local NRCS office

For more information about the EQIP program or FSA eligibility, please refer to the USDA Washington Natural Resources Conservation Service website:https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/wa/programs/financial/ “EQIP is a voluntary program to facilitate the adoption and improvement of natural resource management to increase private land resources sustainability,” says Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, Keith Griswold. “Interested participants are encouraged to apply for 2021 funding. Please do not wait until the last day to submit your application or attain FSA eligibility determination. It could reduce your chances to treat your identified resource concerns in 2021.” To learn about technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or your local USDA service center.