Michigan agricultural producers and private forestland owners interested in receiving conservation financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program should submit applications by Dec. 2, 2022.
Applications may be submitted at local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offices or online through Farmers.gov. Applications may be submitted at any time but must be received by Dec. 2, to be eligible for the current round of funding. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program provides financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency, and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat the impacts of climate change.
Financial assistance is available to implement designated conservation practices that address identified natural resource concerns on the applicant’s operation. Examples of practices eligible for financial assistance include cover crops, conservation tillage, nutrient management plans, tree planting, grazing plans, forest management plans, manure storage facilities, and many more. This round of funding includes financial assistance allocated for organic producers, urban agriculture, Climate Smart Agriculture, the Western Lake Erie Basin in Southeast Michigan, and the Great Lakes Initiative for designated watersheds.
Historically Underserved Producer Benefits
Special provisions are available for historically underserved producers. Historically underserved producers are eligible for advance payments to help offset costs related to purchasing materials or contracting services up front. In addition, historically underserved producers can receive higher Environmental Quality Incentives Program payment rates (up to 90 percent of average cost). NRCS sets aside Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds for historically underserved producers.
Producers should contact their local USDA Service Center for more information about the program including how to apply.
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