Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest land owners who want to improve and protect the condition of soil, water, air, plants and animals.
NRCS provides financial compensation for part of the cost of establishing and maintaining conservation practices that improve the natural resources on your land.
Applications are accepted year-round, but are ranked and funded periodically. Check this website again or call your local NRCS office for the next ranking cut-off date.
National Water Quality Initiative in Massachusetts - the Palmer River in southeastern Massachusetts has been selected as the Bay State's priority watershed.
EQIP Air Quality & Energy Initiative - NRCS is now offering technical and financial assistance for conservation practices related to on-farm energy efficiency. Farmers can get help identifying ways to conserve energy on their farms through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP), also known as an on-farm energy audit and to implement AgEMP-recommended measures.
EQIP High Tunnel Pilot Project - NRCS is conducting a three-year high tunnel, pilot project. Agricultural producers can apply to receive financial and technical assistance to help NRCS test the conservation benefits and effects of high tunnels (also known as hoop houses) in practical, real-world situations.
EQIP Organic Initiative - NRCS is now offering technical and financial assistance for conservation practices related to organic production through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative.
Current application materials, a list of eligible conservation practices and payment rates are on the application materials & documents page.
Please contact your local NRCS office to start the planning and application process.
