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Sign-Up Period for Conservation Programs Announced

TOLLAND, CT – Earlier in the year, Connecticut NRCS State Conservationist Jay T. Mar announced funding opportunities for several agency conservation programs. Authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, these federal programs provide financial and technical assistance to farmers and forest land owners to protect soil, water, and other natural resources. The programs are the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP), and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program.

This year there were three ranking periods -- the first closed February 3. The March 30 date was extended to April 11. The third date is June 1, 2012. Landowners may submit applications any time throughout the year. All completed applications will be batched and ranked for funding. For an application to be considered complete, the following criteria apply:

  • All land and producer eligibility requirements must have been met
  • A conservation plan identifying conservation practices to be included for proposed funding must be finalized for the enrolled land

“Incomplete applications will be deferred to the next ranking period,” said Mar. “We strongly encourage landowners to work with their local NRCS field office early to be sure that they don’t miss any opportunities.”

Three national initiatives will also be available through EQIP including organic production, seasonal high tunnels for crop production, and on-farm energy conservation. Applicants compete only among other farmers in the same funding pools.

The New England/New York Forestry Initiative will be offered to non-industrial, private forest landowners to implement forest management plans on their land. Funds for this will be available through EQIP and WHIP.

The 2008 Farm Bill provides additional incentives for farmers who are just beginning, have limited resources, or who are socially disadvantaged because they belong to racial or ethnic groups that have historically been subjected to prejudice. Such farmers can receive up to 90% of the costs associated with planning and implementing conservation measures; up to 30% of expected costs may be provided in advance.

For more information, contact your local USDA Service Center.

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