Applicability

Is the applicant planning to, or currently in the process of, transitioning to organic production?

1. YES – Points: 0
2. NO – Points: 0

Category

Please select the applicable category (multiple categories may apply):

1. Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) General – Points: 0
2. Beginning farmer or rancher (BFR) OTI – Points: 0
3. Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (SDFR) OTI – Points: 0

Program Questions

1. If the applicant self certified as a Beginning Farmer Rancher (BFR), how many years have they been farming? Choose only ONE response.
   1. 0-3 – Points: 21
   2. 4-6 – Points: 23
   3. 7-10 – Points: 25
   4. Not Applicable – Points: 0
2. Did the applicant self certify as a Veteran Farmer Rancher (VFR)?
   1. YES – Points: 25
   2. NO – Points: 0
3. Did the applicant self certify as a Limited Resource Farmer Rancher (LFR)?
   1. YES – Points: 25
   2. NO – Points: 0
4. Did the applicant self certify as a Socially Disadvantaged Farmer Rancher (SDFR)?
   1. YES - Points: 25
   2. NO - Points: 0
5. Has the participant been in contract violation with a prior USDA NRCS Contract within the past 3 years?
   1. Yes – Points: -25
   2. No – Points: 0
6. If this application is approved for funding, will this be the applicant's first EQIP contract?
   1. YES – Points: 100
   2. NO – Points: 0

Resource Questions

1. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include implementation of one soil health or enhancing practice that addresses soil tilth, crusting, water infiltration, organic matter, compaction, etc.?
   1. YES – Points: 40
   2. NO – Points: 0
2. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include practices that will result in reduction of erosion?
   1. YES – Points: 40
   2. NO – Points: 0
3. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include practices that will result in creation of buffer zones that will mitigate offsite contaminants from entering the farm?
   1. YES – Points: 30
   2. NO – Points: 0
4. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include practices with the intent of increasing habitat for pollinators, beneficial insects, or both?
   1. YES – Points: 30
   2. NO – Points: 0
5. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include practices that will improve wildlife habitat?
   1. YES – Points: 30
   2. NO – Points: 0
6. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include practices that will utilize prevention, avoiding, monitoring, and suppression (PAMS), such as rotating crops to reduce pest pressure?
   1. YES – Points: 30
   2. NO – Points: 0