Financial assistance available to Oregon producers through Air Quality Initiative

Funding is available for Hood River County producers to perform voluntary conservation activities on their privately-owned land with financial assistance from the National Air Quality Initiative (NAQI) program. 

In Oregon, current NAQI funding helps Hood River County orchard producers chip and grind their wood waste and reduce the use of high-emission, diesel-fuel smudge pots which are commonly used to protect crops from damaging spring frosts. NRCS provides financial assistance to help growers remove smudge pots from their operations, so they can be replaced with cleaner, more efficient systems. 

Applicants should apply by April 12, 2024 to be considered for this second round of funding. Visit Oregon’s National Air Quality Initiative page here to learn more about the project and funding. 

To apply, contact your local USDA Service Center or apply online at farmers.gov. Find projects available in your county on the “What’s Available in My County” webpage. Interested applicants can also contact their local USDA Service Center to inquire about EQIP opportunities in their county and to apply for assistance. 

Contact:
Claire Tachella, EQIP Program Manager
Claire.Tachella@usda.gov