Developing an EQIP Contract

Applicants who rank high enough to be selected for plan development and contracting must have a schedule of operations developed. This schedule of operations will outline the practices that will be included on the contract, and include a schedule for implementing practices.

Practices started or completed prior to program application are not eligible for cost share or incentive payments.

Applicants who start a practice before the contract is approved by NRCS causes the applicant to be ineligible for EQIP financial assistance for that practice unless a waiver is granted by NRCS.

A cost shared practice must be started within 12 months of contract approval by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) representative. Once begun, the producer is expected to make continuous progress towards implementation. Failure to commence a practice within 12 months of contract approval will result in contract termination unless circumstances beyond the producer's control prevented the start of the practice.

Any EQIP contract that includes an animal waste storage or treatment facility will provide for the development and implementation of a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP).

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