USDA announces application dates for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Agricultural Management Assistance in Massachusetts

EQIP and AMA offers financial and technical assistance to private owners and managers of agricultural land and forestland to address natural resource concerns.

Farmland and forestland operators and owners who are interested in applying for assistance through EQIP or AMA should contact their local NRCS office for more information and to begin the conservation planning process. NRCS develops conservation plans which evaluate resource concerns, while considering the land management goals of the operation.

“If you operate a farm or manage forest land and want to improve your land, we can help,” said Dan Wright, State Conservationist for NRCS in Massachusetts. “You can discuss your vision for your land with one of our conservation planners, who will explain the conservation planning process and how to apply for financial assistance.”

You may apply for NRCS conservation programs at any time. Complete applications are ranked for funding in batches periodically throughout the year. In Massachusetts, NRCS is offering two batching periods for EQIP and AMA. Fiscal year 2023 cut-off dates are: February 17, 2023, and May 19, 2023.

All applications determined eligible and high priority by close of business on a given ranking date will be considered in the current funding cycle. All NRCS programs are voluntary.

Ranking dates and the application process are subject to change. Contact your local field office for the latest information. For more information on available programs, the application process, and natural resource priorities, visit the Massachusetts NRCS website at www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov.

EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns through an array of conservation practices. Assistance is available to support private landowners and managers in addressing farm, field, forest, wildlife, water, and/or plant management issues including:

• Erosion control
• Farm and forestry conservation plans
• Fencing for grazing systems
• Forest stand improvement
• Grazing plans
• Irrigation systems
• Pasture and hayland planting
• Pollinator habitat
• Protection of heavy use areas for livestock
• Restoration and management of declining habitat
• Riparian buffers
• Seasonal high tunnels
• Soil health management plans
• Waste storage facilities
• Wildlife habitat management and development

Some of the EQIP funding will be provided to farmers and forest landowners via the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which encourages partner organizations to join in efforts with producers to increase the restoration and sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife and related natural resources on regional or watershed scales. Through the RCPP program, NRCS and its partners help producers install and maintain conservation activities in selected project areas. Partners leverage RCPP funding in project areas and report on the benefits achieved.

NRCS is a federal agency that works hand-in-hand with conservation districts and the people of Massachusetts to improve and protect soil, water and other natural resources.