Maryland NRCS Extends Application Period for EQIP Activity Funding

In an effort to give additional farmers an opportunity to apply for funding, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maryland has extended the application cut-off date for Conservation Planning Activities (CPAs), Design and Implementation Activities (DIAs), and Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activities (CEMAs) to March 10, 2025.

CPAs, DIAs, and CEMAs are Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) financial assistance opportunities for participants to hire Technical Service Providers (TSP) or Qualified Individuals to provide conservation planning, practices designs or implementation instructions, and monitoring or evaluation of conservation measures applied to the land.

Maryland NRCS will utilize the ACT NOW to process applications for EQIP CPAs, DIAs, and CEMAs.  ACT NOW allows NRCS to approve applications for funding in the order they are received, as long as they meet program eligibility and a predetermined minimum ranking threshold. This means no longer having to wait for an application period to end before selections are made. 

While NRCS accepts applications for financial assistance programs year-round, farmers interested CPAs, DIAs, and CEMAs should apply by March 10 to ensure fiscal year 2025 funding is available.

To learn more about NRCS programs or begin an application, please contact your local NRCS Service Center by visiting nrcs.usda.gov/contact.