U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service in Oklahoma opened its second signup for the Inflation Reduction Act Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
This funding includes an additional $3.3 million for the program, according to an April 3 news release. This second round of applications will be accepted through May 1 for Oklahoma producers whose land includes crop land, range land, pasture and private nonindustrial forestland.
"It is a top priority in Oklahoma for all landowners and producers to have equal opportunity to participate in programs," Acting State Conservationist for USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service Kristina "Tina" Jerome said in the news release.
Jerome reported some producers did not receive all the information on the IRA funding announcement in February, the release reported. Environmental Quality Incentives Program activities are carried out according to a site-specific conservation plan developed with the producer.
Natural Resource Conservation Service-Oklahoma "is committed to reaching out to historically underserved individuals and groups who may also receive higher payment rates," the release said.
The 2018 Farm Bill allows for voluntary participation and focuses on equity in accessing USDA programs and services. The release reported USDA and Oklahoma are "committed to reaching out to historically underserved individuals and groups who may also receive higher payment rates."
According to the release, enhancements include increased payment rates and advance payments of up to 50% to purchase materials and services needed to implement conservation practices included in their Environmental Quality Incentives Program contract.
The 2018 Farm Bill has provisions to address circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged and or novice farmers, as well as those with limited resources and veteran farmers, the release said.
Anyone who would like more information, including how to apply, may see the Inflation Reduction Act's Environmental Quality Incentives Program page on USDA's website.
"In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America," the release said.
