NRCS Missouri Announces Second Batching Date for FY 2024 Environmental Quality Incentives Program Funding

The Missouri Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing March 29, 2024, as the second batching date for applications submitted for Fiscal Year 2024 funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

There are several funding streams included in this batching date to best meet the various needs of producers statewide. A total of nine initiatives are available for ACT NOW funding either from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) or EQIP Classic.

“Act Now allows NRCS to pre-approve a ranked application in a designated ranking pool when an application meets or exceeds a state-determined minimum threshold ranking score,” said Acting State Conservationist for Programs Elena Hoover. “This gives NRCS the ability to make funding decisions faster, which will potentially allow farmers to start conservation projects earlier or learn quickly whether a project will be funded.”

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) ACT NOW

• Climate Smart Agriculture Socially Disadvantaged
• Nutrient Management Initiative
• Native Forage Initiative
• Soil Health Cropland

EQIP Classic ACT NOW

• Organic
• Northern Bobwhite (Working Lands for Wildlife)
• Conservation Activities (Conservation Planning Activities, Design and Implementation Activities, Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activities)
• St. Louis Urban Hub
• Native Forage Initiative

Also available is EQIP Classic, which ranks applications and funds them in ranked order after the batching date as funding allows.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

EQIP is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands.

EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to address natural resource concerns and to deliver environmental benefits, such as improved water and air quality, conserve ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, improved soil health and plant condition, and improved or created wildlife habitat. 

Learn more about EQIP in Missouri.

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

The Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history, is a historic, once-in-a-generation investment and opportunity for the agricultural communities that USDA serves. In addition to the investments in agriculture, the Inflation Reduction Act extended authorities for certain Farm Bill programs – EQIP, CSP, ACEP and Regional Conservation Partnership Program – until fiscal year 2031. 

How to Apply
NRCS Missouri will accept applications through March 29, 2024, for EQIP ACT NOW initiatives. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, but those submitted before this cutoff will be assessed and ranked as soon as the applicant has made treatment decisions through a conservation plan.

Based on fund availability, eligible applications that meet a minimum threshold will be preapproved immediately, allowing the applicant to ACT NOW. Application assessments below the minimum threshold will be batched and funded in ranking order as funding allows. 

For more information about NRCS programs and assistance, visit www.mo.nrcs.usda.gov or contact Missouri Programs at (573) 876-0901 or MO.Programs@usda.gov.