Georgia Producers who wish to sign up for important conservation, risk management, and financial assistance programs have until February 28.

From the USDA NRCS Georgia state office:

State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today the statewide cutoff for fiscal year 2020 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding. All Georgia agricultural producers and landowners who wish to be considered for this year’s technical and financial assistance should apply by February 28, 2020.

While customers can apply year round, this application cutoff announcement is for all general EQIP, as well as some special initiatives such as the Longleaf Pine, On-Farm Energy, Organic, Seasonal High Tunnel and the Working Lands for Wildlife. Additionally, this announcement also includes any special Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) – EQIP project areas. Customers should discuss these sign up options with their local conservationist to see if any of the initiatives or projects are right for them.

“NRCS is here to help Georgia’s farmers, ranchers and private landowners make the best use of their land and natural resources.” said Rudolph. “Programs like EQIP encourage management techniques that help the producer maximize their economic and environmental benefits.”

NRCS conservationists works with producers to assess the conservation needs on their land to identify concerns and opportunities, help determine objectives, and recommend solutions.

EQIP was originally established under the 1996 Farm Bill and reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. Assistance is available to help producers and landowners plan and implement conservation practices to improve water quantity and quality, build healthier soil, improve grazing and forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations, establish or improve wildlife habitat and achieve other environmental benefits on cropland, pasture, forestland, and associated agricultural land including animal feeding operations.

Interested producers can apply at their local USDA Service Center by submitting a Conservation Program Application (NRCS-CPA-1200).

Recently, NRCS reminded historically underserved producers approved for funding through EQIP, of the advanced payment option. This option allows these producers to get conservation practice payments in advance of the practice implementation.

A historically underserved producer is described as one of the below:

• Beginning Farmer or Rancher – is new to farming or ranching, or, has operated a farm or ranch for less than 10-consecutive years.

• Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher – is a member of a group whose members have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of that group without regard to their individual qualities.

• Veteran Farmer or Rancher – has served in the armed forces and has not operated a farm or ranch, has operated a farm or ranch for less than 10-consecutive years, or first obtained veteran status during the last 10 years.

• Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher – has a household income at or below the national poverty level. Eligibility can be determined by using this online tool.

Under the advance payment option, such producers may request payments when they have final designs and job sheets and are ready to begin their EQIP practices. Advance payments provide at least 50 percent of the payment rate for each practice. The funds must be spent within 90 days of receipt and practices must be completed as agreed to in an EQIP plan of operations. Producers also may opt to have NRCS pay the contractors or vendors directly.

NRCS provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment. More information on NRCS conservation programs can be found at https://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov under the Programs tab.