USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Accepting 2023 EQIP- High Tunnel Applications through March. 13, 2023
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 6, 2023
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Arkansas will provide at least $1 million in fiscal year 2023 for the utilization and implementation of high tunnels on agricultural land through the Environment Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
High Tunnels are designed to help producers extend the growing season, increase productivity, keep plants at a steady temperature, and conserve water and energy. The EQIP high tunnel signup will be administered through the ACT NOW approach, which is a targeted, rapid, and streamlined application and contract approval process.
The EQIP-High Tunnel application deadline is March 13, 2023, however through the streamlined application and contract approval approach, applications will be assessed and ranked as they are submitted to the USDA Field Service Center. Based on funds availability, application assessments with a ranking score of 100 points or greater will be preapproved immediately for the first batch of funding. Producers are encouraged to apply for the High Tunnel funds at their earliest convenience. Additional sign-up batches may be announced at a later date, subject to the availability of funding.
All USDA Service Centers are open for business. Visitors wishing to conduct business with NRCS should call ahead and schedule an appointment. To locate a local field office, visit https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.