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Deadline extended for USDA’s farm program
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Posted on Jun 10 2004
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, or EQIP. The deadline for the last 2004 ranking period has been extended to June 30 to enable more farmers to participate.
EQIP is a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes sustainable agricultural production and environmental quality. All farmers and ranchers on eligible agricultural land may participate. The program is open to both U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike.
EQIP is applied competitively. Contracts are awarded based on the number and kinds of conservation practices that a farmer elects to install according to a conservation plan that NRCS develops with the farmer. Financial assistance, in the form of cost-share and incentive payments, is given to encourage farmers to carry out sustainable practices. All practices are subject to NRCS technical standards adapted for local conditions. The local Soil and Water Conservation District approves the conservation plans.
Applications are available at the USDA Service Center located in the DY Building on Beach Road, South Garapan. Farmers on Tinian and Rota may apply by contacting the Saipan office and arranging a meeting. NRCS provides free technical assistance to all land users whether they are involved with EQIP or not. Information on EQIP and other USDA programs is available online at www.pb.nrcs.usda.gov, or call the NRCS office at 236-0888.
The USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
