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NRCS sets grant program deadline
HONOLULU, HI—Pacific Islands agricultural producers and forestry managers who want to address natural resources and increase environmental benefits are encouraged to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program or the Agricultural Management Assistance Program through the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Travis Thomason, PIA NRCS director, announced that Oct. 20, 2017, will be the application deadline in the Pacific.
“Producers can sign up for Farm Bill Programs at any time throughout the year, but to compete for the upcoming funding period, I encourage producers with resource concerns to submit an application by the application deadline,” Thomason said.
Many applicants have shown interest in funding to address soil erosion and water quality issues on cropland. However, there are also funding for addressing issues on grazing land operations, confined livestock operations, organic producers, and wildlife habitat improvements, just to name a few.
Producers interested in EQIP or AMA should submit a signed application to the local NRCS field office or submit it electronically through the Conservation Client Gateway (www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/cgate/). Applications submitted by Oct. 20, 2017, will be evaluated by NRCS staff for funding.
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements in order to participate in EQIP or AMA. NRCS field office staff will work with applicants to determine eligibility and answer ranking questions. If an application is ranked high enough to be selected for funding, the applicant will work with the local NRCS field office staff to develop a contract.
EQIP and AMA are voluntary conservation program available for agricultural producers and forestry managers. Through these programs, NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to install conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve grazing lands, improve water and air quality, create wildlife habitat, improve forest health and more. For more information on EQIP or AMA, contact the local NRCS field office or visit www.PIA.nrcs.usda.gov. (PR)
