EQIP

EQIP "Environmental Quality Incentives Program"

The time to apply for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Special EQIP Forestry Program is now!

EQIP is a voluntary, federally funded program that provides farmers with incentive payments, as well as technical assistance for conservation activities that help limit soil erosion, improve water and air quality, and protect wildlife habitat. The EQIP Forestry program is targeted at local landowners who want to improve existing woodlots and plant new trees on land that does not qualify for CRP.

Applications for Hancock County are available at the local Natural Resource Conservation Service office. Applications can be submitted throughout the year with funding being distributed once a year at an announced time.

Incentive payments for structural and management practices will range from 65-75 percent, depending on the practice. Limited resource farmers may be eligible to receive incentive payments of 90 percent of the entire contract. Producers interested in manure holding structures or grazing practices will first need to have a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) or Grazing Management Plan (GMP)

For more information on EQIP please contact Hancock County District Conservationist, Mary Williams at 419-422-6569 ext. 124.

Eligible Practices for EQIP Include, but not limited to:

   - Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP)
   - Grazing Management Plans (GMP)
   - Grazing practices-fencing, livestock heavy use pads, watering facilities, and pipeline
   - Manure storage-dry stacks and holding ponds
   - Ag. Chemical Mixing Facilities
   - Structures for Water Control
   - Grassed Waterways
   - Livestock Mortality Composting Facilities

Eligible Practices for Forestry EQIP Include, but not limited to:
   - Grapevine Control
   - Crop Tree Release
   - Woody Invasive Control
   - Tree Planting