Ranking Criteria for NRCS Programs – Fiscal Year 2020
What's New with EQIP - Connecticut
Per policy in Title 440-CPM, Part 512, Section 512.60, the practice of High Tunnel System (CPS 325) will have a practice payment cap applied in all FY2019 Connecticut NRCS contracts at the following levels:
- Contracts using General Payment Rates ($3.49/sqft) will be capped at $10,055 per practice.
- Contracts using Historically Underserved Payment rates ($4.18/sqft) will be capped at $12,040 per practice.
As provided in policy at Title 440 - CPM, Part 512, Section 512.60 F, the practice of Access Road, CPS 560, will have a payment cap applied in Connecticut NRCS EQIP contracts.The payment cap for Access Roads, on all land uses, will be $10,000.Any length of access road which will exceed the $10,000 practice payment cap, will be the responsibility of the participant.A waiver to this policy may be available. Written request for this waiver must be reviewed and concurred with by the State Conservation Engineer, and then approved by the State Conservationist.
High Tunnel Systems (325) must be Gothic Style
NRCS accepts applications on a continuous basis.
Introduction
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill to promote agricultural production, forest management, and environmental quality as compatible national goals and to optimize environmental benefits on eligible land with farmers and non-industrial private forest landowners on a voluntary basis. Through EQIP, agricultural producers receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural land.
Gypsy Moth Damage (NEW)
Due to the gypsy moth infestation over the last few years, there is concern for heavy damage experienced in parts of the state. Stressed trees have become targets for other pests and pathogens. When defoliation happens year after year, trees lose their ability to recover. Through NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program, qualified applicants would have three options:
An opportunity for early successional cutting
An addendum to applicants with an existing forestry management plan to remove dead and dying trees
A template plan for those with a current forest stewardship plan
The following national priorities, consistent with statutory resources concerns that include soil, water, wildlife, air quality, and related natural resource concerns, may be used in EQIP implementation:
Reductions of non-point source pollution such as nutrients, sediment, pesticides, or excess salinity in impaired watersheds consistent with total maximum daily loads (TMDL) where available; the reduction of surface and groundwater contamination; and the reduction of contamination from agricultural sources such as animal feeding operations
Conservation of ground and surface water resources
Reduction of emissions such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and ozone precursors and depleters that contribute to air quality impairment violations of National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Reduction in soil erosion and sedimentation from unacceptable levels on agricultural land
Promotion of at-risk species habitat conservation including development and improvement of wildlife habitat
Energy conservation to help save fuel, improve efficiency of water use, maintain production, and protect soil and water resources by more efficiently using fertilizers and pesticides
Biological carbon storage and sequestration
In addition, Connecticut has identified the following priorities:
Water Quality
Soil Health
Soil Erosion
Forestry
Livestock Production Limitations
Accepting Applications
EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis; however, NRCS establishes application cut-off or submission deadline dates for evaluation, ranking and approval of eligible applications. EQIP is open to all eligible agricultural producers. The following document describes how to apply for Farm Bill programs or visit Get Started with NRCS.
EQIP is open to all eligible agricultural producers. To be considered for funding, all applications must meet the criteria for both producer eligibility and land eligibility.
Applicants must:
be considered an agricultural producer
have control of the land for the life of the contract
be in compliance with federal highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions
be within appropriate payment limitation requirements and adjusted gross income requirements
The land being offered into the program must be agricultural land, non-industrial private forest land, or other land on which agricultural products, livestock, or forest-related products are produced.
Applications for financial assistance must also be supported by a current conservation plan or a complete farm assessment which documents land and practice eligibility.
Applicants should contact their NRCS Service Center to make an appointment for conservation planning assistance.
Additional restrictions and program requirements may apply.
Participant Responsibilities
Applicants are responsible for completing and filing all application and eligibility paperwork as required. If funded, participants are required to sign a contract and agree to implement the planned conservation practices to NRCS standards and specifications as scheduled.
Input from outside groups, agencies, and citizens: The list of eligible practices in Connecticut, payment rates and limits, eligible resource concerns, and state scoring criteria are developed based on input and recommendations from the State Technical Committee (STC). The STC is made up of representatives from various agri-businesses, producer groups, conservation organizations, and federal, state, and tribal government agency representatives.
EQIP Deadlines
To apply for EQIP, contact your local service center or visit Get Started with NRCS. Do you farm and want to make improvements to the land you own or lease? NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to help farmers, forest landowners, and operators of leased land.
Starting a practice prior to written contract approval will result in the ineligibility of the practice for EQIP assistance, unless a waiver has been approved.
Connecticut EQIP Subaccounts, Batching Dates and Ranking Documents
Connecticut NRCS accepts applications for EQIP on a continuous basis.Periodically, the State Conservationist will announce a Batching Date and ranking period.All applications that are in an Eligible status on the advertised Batching Date will be evaluated and considered for funding in that ranking period.
Connecticut Sub-Accounts
Descriptions
Next Batching Date
Ranking Documents
Beginning Farmer and Rancher
This sub-account is for applicants applying as Beginning Farmers. These are landowners who have been engaged in farming for no more than 10 years. For forestry practices, the applicant must have owned the land for no more than 10 years. Eligible conservation practices for this sub-account include all practices offered for EQIP. Applicants in this sub-account are eligible for higher practice payment rates.
This sub-account is for applicants who certify as Socially Disadvantaged according to information provided under the National Guidance for Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning, and Limited Resource Farmers/Ranchers, Veteran Farmers. Eligible conservation practices for this sub-account include all practices offered for EQIP. Applicants in this sub-account are eligible for higher practice payment rates.
This sub-account is for applicants who certify as Limited Resource according to information provided under the National Guidance for Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning, and Limited Resource Farmers/Ranchers, Veteran Farmers. Eligible conservation practices for this sub-account include all practices offered for EQIP. Applicants in this sub-account are eligible for higher practice payment rates.
This sub-account is for applicants enrolling to implement forest management practices based on a certified forest management or stewardship plan. NRCS aims to promote sustainable forest management and harvesting techniques. Participants may choose a registered NRCS Technical Service Provider of their choice to write the plan. Timber Stand Improvement, Forest Trails and Landings, and Brush Management are some of the practices that can be scheduled if recommended in a Forest Management Plan.
This sub-account is for applicants who wish to implement a Grazing Management Plan, or whose operations are predominantly used for livestock production. This would include dairy farms and operations that raise beef, sheep, goats, alpacas, or other livestock. Conservation practices that can be included in these conservation plans include fencing for rotational grazing, watering facilities, pasture and hayland planting, heavy use areas, and brush management.
Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) and Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO)
AFO's are agricultural enterprises where animals are kept and raised in confined situations where feed, manure and urine, dead animals, and production operations all occur on a small land area. A CAFO is an AFO with more than 1,000 animal units (an animal is defined as an animal equivalent of 1,000 lbs. live weight) confined on site for more than 45 days during the year. Existing AFO/CAFO's can apply for EQIP financial assistance for the storage, treatment, and utilization of animal waste. This is a statewide process to address the water quality impacts of these operations to the rivers and streams of the state, and control soil erosion. Applicants should have a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan in order to apply for practices recommended in the plan such as Heavy Use Area Protection, Animal Mortality Facility, Waste Storage Facility, Critical Area Planting, Grassed Waterway, etc.
This sub-account is for landowners whose operations are predominantly crop-production. Vegetable, nursery, orchard, greenhouse, and other specialty crop production may be eligible under this sub-account. Conservation practices that may be included in these conservation plans can include erosion control practices, seasonal high tunnels, conservation irrigation, and soil health practices. A producer should have a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan if interested in applying for nutrient management practices.
This sub-account is for applicants who wish to implement practices which benefit wildlife on their farm or forest. Applicants may apply for practices which benefit wildlife either directly or indirectly. Some of the practices include Riparian Buffer, Conservation Cover, and Forested or Herbaceous Structures for Wildlife.
A completed and certified CAP may be required before a participant can apply for certain practices. For example, a participant must have a certified Forest Management Plan in order to apply to NRCS for forest management practices.
NRCS is offering technical and financial assistance to farmers and forest landowners interested in improving water quality and aquatic habitats in priority watersheds with impaired streams. Qualified producers may apply for financial assistance to install conservation practices in the designated watersheds to address documented phosphorus, bacteria, and sediment impairments which may be caused by soil erosion, exposed soil, and lack of riparian buffers and filter strips. Following are the designated watersheds:
NRCS, in partnership with other state and federal agencies through the Working Lands for Wildlife Strategy, is working to restore habitat for the New England Cottontail (NEC) rabbit within the species' historic range. The NEC is considered an at-risk species that has undergone major population decline due to loss of habitat. NRCS can provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for practices which restore or create habitat within the NEC's historic range. Some practices aimed at restoring habitat include Early Successional Habitat Development, Structures for Wildlife, and Tree and Shrub Establishment. The focus areas for the initiative are located on the eastern and western sides of the state including towns in Litchfield, Fairfield, New London, and Windham Counties. Participants should have a Forest Management Plan CAP if the land in application is forestland.
The Bog Turtle is currently listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The Bog Turtle depends on a habitat composed of open, sunny wetlands and dry, grassy areas. Under this initiative, NRCS can provide financial assistance to private landowners in Litchfield and Fairfield Counties who have wetlands and wish to conserve or restore bog turtle habitat. Some of the eligible core practices include Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats, Early Successional Habitat Development, and Upland Wildlife Habitat Management.
The Energy Initiative is designed to help producers improve energy efficiency on their agricultural operations. This initiative provides funding for individual on-farm energy audits, and results which will allow participants to save both money and energy when fully implemented.
This sub-account is for applicants who are certified organic operations. Applicants must be certified by an accredited USDA certifying agent. Conservation practices for these conservation plans will focus on practices that are used on organic farms and other practices that address resource concerns on their operation.
This sub-account is for applicants who are transitioning to organic production. Applicants shall self-certify that they agree to develop and work toward implementing an Organic System Plan. Conservation practices for these conservation plans will focus on practices that are used on organic farms and other practices that address resource concerns on their operation.
Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning, and Limited Resource Farmers/Ranchers, Military Veteran Farmers
The 2014 Farm Bill continues to address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, as well as beginning and limited resource farmers and ranchers and Veteran Farmers. It provides for voluntary participation, offers incentives, and focuses on equity in accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services. Enhancements include increased payment rates and advance payments of up to 50 percent to purchase materials and services needed to implement conservation practices included in their EQIP contract.
Connecticut is committed to reaching out to Historically Underserved individuals and groups. Historically Underserved participants may also receive higher payment rates in addition to being considered in high priority funding pools. See the Small & Limited and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers page for the NRCS definition of the Historically Underserved.
The Last Green Valley/Eastern Connecticut Conservation District
Thames River Watershed
Funds are available to implement conservation practices in the field that can save farmers time, effort, and money. By improving soil health, producers can reduce erosion and runoff, reduce pest and weed problems, reduce fertilizer use and fuel consumption through fewer tractor passes, and mitigate drought with soils that hold more moisture. EQIP practices include cover crops, residue and tillage management, conservation crop rotation as well as composting facilities, and grazing practices.
This project focuses on the national priority of water quantity in the State of Connecticut. The long-term goal of the project is achieving agricultural water security for existing and new agricultural producers. We will work with producers across the state to develop science-based plans for drought preparedness. EQIP practices include water well, irrigation pipeline, micro-irrigation, and structure for water control (flow meters).
To address the degradation of soil and water from agricultural operations, the University of Connecticut will enlist partners and apply technical and financial assistance focused on reducing pathogens associated with agricultural activities. Potential conservation practices to reduce pathogens will include composting, nutrient management, residue and tillage management, cover crops, fencing, buffers and filter strips, vegetated treatment areas, and wetlands.
This project will help increase technical and financial assistance to non-industrial private forestland owners who implement practices in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to increase the quantity and quality of young forest habitats. Young forest habitat is necessary to meet the critical needs of several recognized at-risk species. In Connecticut, the project will prioritize projects that benefit the American Woodcock and/or New England Cottontail through implementation of EQIP practices including early successional habitat management, brush management, forest trails, and lands.
Forest
Accelerating the Pace of Conservation in the Southern New England Heritage Forest
The Last Green Valley
Northeastern Connecticut
The Southern New England Heritage Forest Project will connect forest landowners with NRCS programs and services. A partnership of organizations and agencies will offer private woodland owners a suite of NRCS tools for sound management and forestry conservation practices through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
Forest
Long Island Sound Watershed RCPP
Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation
Statewide
Projects through the Long Island Sound RCPP may include efforts to improve the state's water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat, and protect agricultural viability. Current projects include in-stream and riparian habitat improvements, with the goal of improving water quality and wildlife habitat.
