Agricultural News
NRCS in Oklahoma Accepting Applications from Producers and Landowners for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Conservation Incentive Contracts
Tue, 25 Jan 2022 13:00:27 CST
Conservation Incentive Contracts (CIC) address priority resource concerns, including sequestering carbon and improving soil health in high-priority areas. Through these contracts, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works with producers to strengthen the quality and condition of natural resources on their operations using management practices, such as irrigation water management, drainage water management, feed management and residue and tillage management that target resource concerns, including degraded soil and water quality, available water, and soil erosion.
CIC offer producers annual incentive payments to implement management practices as well as conservation evaluation and monitoring activities to help manage, maintain, and improve priority natural resource concerns within state high-priority areas and build on existing conservation efforts. Download our CIC fact sheet for additional information and see the priorities identified for Oklahoma below.
The priority resource concern and land use identified by the State Technical Committee for Oklahoma in 2022 is Soil Quality Limitations on Cropland. Eligible management practices to address the resource concern are:
328- Conservation Crop Rotation
329- Residue and Tillage Mgt, No Till
340- Cover Crop
345- Residue and Tillage Mgt, Reduced Till
590- Nutrient Management
The 2018 Farm Bill created the new CIC option, and it was piloted in 2021 in four states, the contracts last five years.
How to Apply
NRCS accepts applications for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) -CIC year-round, however producers and landowners should apply by Feb. 25, 2022 to be considered for each year's funding.
All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in person by appointment only. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors may also be required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. Our program delivery staff will be in the office, and they will be working with our producers in office, by phone, and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus
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