MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024. BY USDA NRCS.
More than $100 million is available for conservation practices on farms, ranches and private non-industrial forestland.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California runs both the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The next USDA-NRCS application cut-off date for these programs is November 15, 2024.
EQIP provides financial assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits. These include improved water and air quality, improved irrigation efficiency, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, forest restoration and creating or enhancing wildlife habitat.
CSP provides producers to earn payments for actively managing, maintaining and expanding conservation activities integrated within their agricultural operations. CSP enhancements like cover crops, ecologically-based pest management and buffer strips help producers improve soil health while protecting water quality. Other CSP activities help sustain and increase pollinator and beneficial insect habitats in harmony with agriculture production on their land.
Applying for Assistance
Applicants seeking financial assistance are required to meet Farm Bill Program eligibility in conjunction with the Farm Service Agency, which includes meeting the Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Compliance requirements and the Adjusted Gross Income limits.
NRCS California uses ACT NOW to process conservation applications to deliver conservation faster. ACT NOW allows NRCS to immediately approve and obligate a ranked application. This means no longer having to wait for all applications to be reviewed and preapproved. Applications selected through ACT NOW will be batched and processed in the order received.
NRCS accepts conservation program applications year-round, but it is best to meet the cut-off date of November 15. State Technical Committees, composed of producers and partners, work with NRCS to set state-specific, ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding. To find out more about our application process or to begin an application, please find your local NRCS Service Center by clicking HERE (scroll down for San Joaquin County information).
Technical Assistance
NRCS offers conservation technical assistance at no cost to give producers personalized advice and information, based on the latest science and research, to help them make informed decisions. If a producer chooses to take the next step towards improving their operations, NRCS staff can work with them to develop a free, personalized conservation plan, with conservation practices that can help them reach their agricultural production and conservation goals.
The voluntary conservation plan defines and explains existing resources in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. Typically, the plan will include land use maps, soil information, an inventory of resources, engineering notes and other supporting information. One benefit to landowners who work with an NRCS professional conservationist to develop a plan is an increased potential for participating in financial assistance programs which is a good first step in the overall process.
If you are interested in incorporating any of the following conservation practices next summer and beyond, with possible financial assistance, please call the USDA San Joaquin County Farm Service Agency by phone at 209.33.2124 Ext .3 or visit the office at 7585 S. Longe Street, Stockton, CA 95206 in person to apply.
1. Water savings irrigation systems
2. Irrigation water management system
3. Cover crop
4. Hedgerows
5. Nutrient or pest management strategies, including mating disruption
6. Compost
7. Mulch
8. Orchard removal with soil incorporation
9. Road oil
10. Low dust harvesters
11. Prescribed grazing practices (cross fence, watering facilities, etc.)
12. Dairy improvements (concrete pads for silage/manure, pond lining, separators, digestors, etc.)
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