NRCS announces 2022 EQIP Classic signup
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. (Aug. 11, 2021) – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today the application deadlines for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Classic in Washington State for Fiscal Year 2022 is Oct. 7, 2021.
EQIP is a voluntary, technical, and financial assistance program designed to help farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and Tribes with the application of conservation measures. The program focuses strongly on conservation planning, conservation implementation, and solving natural resource concerns, including, but not limited to the following:
- Forestland health improvements
- Irrigation efficiency
- Nutrient run-off and/or animal waste management
- Improving native plant community health
- Removing manmade instream obstructions for fish passage
- Reducing soil loss from wind or rain
- Wildlife habitat
In most instances, program participants can expect to pay roughly half of the costs associated with implementation of the conservation measures or practices.
Each applicant must establish themselves as a USDA customer and obtain all Farm Service Agency (FSA) eligibility requirements by November 18, 2021. Please note, Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) determination takes an average three weeks to be processed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is highly recommended that applicants submit their completed AGI form to FSA several weeks prior to the FSA eligibility determination deadline of November 18, 2021. Submitting your AGI form to FSA on the last day of the application period will result in your AGI eligibility not being met by the deadline for Fiscal Year 2022.
Although applications are accepted on a year-round basis, eligible applicants interested in EQIP Classic must first submit their EQIP Application to their local service center by Oct. 7, 2021, and then submit all of the following eligibility determinations to FSA by Nov. 18, 2021:
- Highly Erodible Lands and Wetland Determination (AD 1026)
- Adjusted Gross Income Form (CCC 941)
- Farm and Track Eligibility determination
- Farm Operating Plan (CCC 902)
For more information about the EQIP program or FSA eligibility, please refer to the USDA Washington Natural Resources Conservation Service website.
“Interested participants are encouraged to apply for 2022 funding,” said Keith Griswold, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs. “Please do not wait until the last day to submit your application or attain FSA eligibility determination. It could reduce your chances to treat your identified resource concerns in 2022.”
To learn about technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or your local USDA service center.
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