Agricultural News
EQIP WaterSMART Initiative Deadline Set for April 29, 2022
Tue, 29 Mar 2022 15:44:53 CDT
Individuals in the Blue River Watershed (BRW) located in Murray, Pontotoc, Johnston, Atoka, and Bryan counties whose land use includes rangeland, pasture and private non-industrial forestland are eligible to apply for the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) WaterSMART Initiative (WSI). The purpose of WSI is to assist producers and landowners in implementing voluntary conservation that is complementary to the water conservation assistance provided through the Department of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow (WaterSMART) program. WaterSMART supports water conservation planning and improvement projects by States, tribes, local governments, irrigation water companies, and other organizations.
The deadline for applying in the current fiscal year is April 29, 2022.
Oklahoma's WaterSMART EQIP program will be used to target critical areas within the watershed to improve water quality and quantity through practices targeting soil health, reducing sediment and nutrient runoff, stabilizing riparian areas, and controlling invasive species. This will enhance water conservation and drought resiliency and result in increased water availability (groundwater and surface water) and promote healthy plants and soils. Water quality will be improved with changes in management that target riparian areas.
Those applying for EQIP must: Control or own eligible land; Comply with adjusted gross income limitation (AGI) provisions; Be in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements and develop an NRCS EQIP plan of operations. It is important to note that starting a practice prior to written contract approval will result in the ineligibility of that practice for EQIP assistance unless a waiver has been approved. Additional restrictions and program requirements may apply.
EQIP activities are carried out according to a site-specific conservation plan developed in conjunction with the producer. All conservation practices are installed according to NRCS technical standards. Oklahoma's producers may elect to use an approved technical service provider for technical assistance.
Those Oklahoma producers applying, are responsible for completing and filing all application and eligibility paperwork as required. If funded, participants are required to sign a contract and agree to implement the planned conservation practices to NRCS standards and specifications as scheduled.
The 2018 Farm Bill provides for voluntary participation, offers incentives, and focuses on equity in accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services. Oklahoma is committed to reaching out to Historically Underserved individuals and groups. Historically Underserved participants may also receive higher payment rates in addition to being considered in high priority funding pools. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) includes provisions that address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource, and veteran farmers and ranchers ("historically underserved producers"). Enhancements include increased payment rates and advance payments of up to 50 percent to purchase materials and services needed to implement conservation practices included in their EQIP contract.
Visit the USDA New Farmers website for tips on getting started.
EQIP is open to all eligible agricultural producers without discrimination or bias.
For Information on Ranking Criteria, Screening, Eligible Practices, and Approved Payment Rates see County, Statewide, and National Initiatives web pages at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs .
To apply for EQIP, producers should contact their local NRCS field office, to be considered in the current application period ending April 29, 2022.
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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