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ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP)

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP). EQIP Key Points. EQIP is a natural resource enhancement program Addresses natural resource concerns through improved conservation system Promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. EQIP Key Points.

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ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP)

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  1. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP)

  2. EQIP Key Points • EQIP is a natural resource enhancement program • Addresses natural resource concerns through improved conservation system • Promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals

  3. EQIP Key Points • Requires a conservation plan • Provides technical and financial assistance • Considers State Technical Committee and locally led recommendations

  4. EQIP Key Points • FY 2001 & earlier contracts are valid and will be carried to term following the rules that were in effect when the contract was approved

  5. EQIP Key Points • Allows use of EQIP funds in contract’s first year • Increases total payment amounts to $450,000 per individual over the life of the Farm Bill • Reduces contract length • Eliminates “bidding down”

  6. EQIP Key Points • Adds air quality as a purpose • Adds ground and surface water conservation provision

  7. EQIP Key Points • Requires 60 percent of funding for practices related to livestock production, including grazing lands • Eliminates conservation priority areas

  8. EQIP Key Points • Eliminates animal unit cap on large confined livestock operations • Requires Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) for livestock waste facilities • Allows for an incentive payment to develop a CNMP

  9. How to Apply: • Producers may obtain EQIP applications at any USDA Service Center • Applications will be accepted throughout the year • Applications for EQIP funding will be evaluated periodically

  10. EQIP Conservation Innovation Grants • Initiated after final rule • Competitive grants to stimulate innovation • Grant amount not to exceed 50 percent total project cost • Non-federal government, non-government organizations, and individuals may apply

  11. National Priorities • Reduction of nonpoint source pollutants in impaired watersheds consistent with TMDLs • Reduction of groundwater contamination • Conservation of ground and surface water resources

  12. National Priorities • Reduction of emissions, that contribute to air quality impairment violations of National Air Quality Standards • Reduction in soil erosion and sedimentation from unacceptable levels on ag land • Promotion of at-risk species habitat conservation

  13. Kansas EQIP Natural Resource Concerns • Air Quality • Grazing Lands Health • Soil Erosion • Water Quality • Water Quantity

  14. KANSAS EQIP APPLICATION RANKING FACTORS

  15. Air Quality-Wind Erosion • Wind erosion index > 8 • Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of System Conversion

  16. Air Quality-Livestock Management • Apply Animal Waste Facility and CNMP • Existing/Untreated • Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of System Conversion

  17. Grazing Lands Health • Planned Grazing System Percent Rest Or Invasive Species Percent Infestation • Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of System Conversion

  18. Water Quality – Confined Animal Waste • Apply Animal Waste Facility and CNMP • Existing/Untreated, Existing/Improved Efficiency, New or Expanding • High Priority TMDL (Fecal Coliform) Or KGS Sensitive Ground Water Area • Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of System Conversion

  19. Water Quality – Concentrated/Non-Confined • Apply Animal Waste Facility and CNMP • Proximity of Existing Feeding Site to Water Body • High Priority TMDL (Fecal Coliform) Or KGS Sensitive Ground Water Area • Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of System Conversion

  20. Water Quality – Nutr./Pest/Sed. • KGS Sensitive Ground Water Area Or High Priority TMDL (Eutr., Dis. Ox., Nutr., Pest.) • Proximity To Receiving Water Body • Nitrate Leaching Potential Or Potential Soil Loss Index • Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of System Conversion

  21. Water Quantity – Water Management • Conversion To Non-Irrigated • Increased Efficiency – Crop Rotation • Increased Efficiency – Irrigation System Conversion • Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of System Conversion

  22. EQIP Eligible Practices • FOTG Standards • Interim Standards

  23. More Information…. • Local NRCS Office, USDA Service Center • Local Conservation District • World Wide Web at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/

  24. The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effortto help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

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