RENO, Nev. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of Nevada is offering financial and technical assistance to help agricultural producers apply conservation practices through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program - Conservation Incentive Contracts (EQIP-CIC).

Applications for EQIP-CIC must be received by the local field office before 4 p.m. on March 1, 2024Any applications received after the deadline will be considered for funding during the next funding cycle.

EQIP-CIC is designed to be a steppingstone between EQIP and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), to help producers move from correcting resource issues on specific land unites through EQIP to achieving sustainable stewardship on their entire operation.

Historically underserved (HU) participants, including limited resource farmers and ranchers, beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and veteran farmers and ranchers are eligible for advance payments to help offset costs related to purchasing materials or contracting services through EQIP. HU participants may elect to receive an advance of not less than 50 percent of the EQIP conservation practice payment amount. Participants who receive advance payment must expend the funds within 90 days of receiving the advance.  

To learn more about EQI-CIC, or for general information about NRCS programs, contact your local NRCS office. Office locations can be found by going to https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/nevada and selecting the Nevada Service Center Map.