NRCS announces EQIP sign-up opportunity

Missouri landowners can apply July 21 to Sept. 19 for natural resources conservation assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Natural Resources Conserva-tion Service announced.

The EQIP plan promotes agricultural production and environmental quality.

Through EQIP, farmers and ranchers receive financial and technical assistance to help install structural conservation practices and to implement management systems that promote conservation.

State Conservationist Roger Hansen says that beginning with this sign up, limited-resource farmers, beginning farmers and socially disadvantaged farmers are eligible for increased rates of financial assistance. Also new, Hansen says, is that financial assistance is available for new practices that improve air quality or conserve energy.

Hansen says some tasks associated with this sign up, such as scoring and ranking, cannot be completed until there is a final EQIP rule. The rule will provide new guidance for the EQIP program and will incorporate the 2008 Farm Bill changes. However, NRCS can accept applications, screen them and develop conservation plans while the new rules are pending.

To apply for EQIP or to get more information about EQIP and other NRCS programs, contact the NRCS office serving your county. Look in the phone book under "U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture," or access this Web site: http://offices.

usda.gov.

You can also get information about NRCS programs online at http://www.mo.nrcs.

usda.gov/programs.