Time to file EQIP applications for next scoring period
By Janet Kubat Willette
jkubat@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 02/11/2010 8:02 AM
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ST. PAUL -- Farmers who want to utilize EQIP funds to make changes to their operation need to have their application in by Feb. 26 to be considered for this scoring period.
This may be the only ranking period for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program in fiscal year 2010, said Jennifer Heglund, acting Minnesota state conservationist. The allocation for Minnesota -- $22 million -- is consistent with the first allocation to Minnesota last year, she said.
"We're very happy with the allocation we have this year," Heglund said.
EQIP is available for producers who wish to address natural resource concerns. The federal government, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, reimburses producers for up to 75 percent of project cost. The reimbursement varies by practice, Heglund said. Also, limited resource, beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers may qualify for up to 90 percent reimbursement. The cost share limit is $300,000 over six years.
Minnesota producers are eligible for two new practices this year, drainage water management and seasonal high tunnels for crops.
The high tunnel practice is being piloted in 38 states this year, Heglund said. NRCS hopes to reach out to producers they may not have had the opportunity to work with before through this practice, she said. High tunnels extend the growing season on both ends and fit into an administration priority of individuals doing more hands-on food production.
Drainage water management is about making sure the water coming out of the tile lines is of high quality, Heglund said.
Applications that weren't funded last year and applications that came in after the last scoring period are eligible for consideration. Producers who have an old application that wasn't funded may want to inquire at their NRCS office, Heglund said.
Organic producers may also inquire about the EQIP Organic Initiative. The organic initiaitve is designed to assist organic farmers and farmers who are transitioning to organic agriculture. The initiative allows producers to receive up to $20,000 per year or $80,000 over six years. Applications for this iniative are due by March 12.
Applications for the non-organic part of EQIP will be ranked shortly after the Feb. 26 deadline and landowners will be notified soon after in hopes of developing contracts by April, Heglund said.
Heglund will be in Minnesota through March or April as the search continues for a new state conservationist.
A northeastern Minnesota native, Heglund has been at the North Dakota NRCS since 1985. She will return to her job as assistant state conservationist for programs in North Dakota after her tenure in Minnesota.
The new Minnesota state conservationist will be hired by the national office, Heglund said. She expects that person to be top-notch and to have many years of experience with the agency.