Continuous EQIP signup for 2008

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

The EQIP program exists to provide producers with financial assistance in implementing conservation practices in regions designated as conservation priority areas.  In Highlands County, EQIP money has traditionally been used to assist citrus growers in converting overhead irrigation to microjet systems and to assist cattlemen in installing fencing and other permanent structures that improve the efficiency of their operations.  The money is awarded once per year on a competitive basis (so the government gets the most 'bang' for its buck).  EQIP can pay up to 75% of the cost of installing a practice.

Some general information about EQIP:

• It is a cost share program to help producers adopt conservation practices

• Nationally, half of the funding is dedicated to livestock concerns

• Includes educational and technical assistance to install and/or implement conservation practices

• Producers sign a multi-year contract to maintain the system and implement practices

• Carried out according to site-specific conservation plans

Priority area designation:

• Watersheds or regions with special soil, water or other natural resource concerns

• Concerns include soil, water and wildlife habitat issues as well as sensitive forest and grazing land

• Priority areas are identified by SWCDs, the NRCS, FSA, Cooperative Extension and other relevant federal, state and local agencies

• Recommendations are submitted to the state NRCS office and are chosen by the State Technical Committee

Call Jennifer Abbey for more information (863) 402-6545