Oklahoma EQIP Program Description

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible National goals. Through EQIP, farmers and ranchers may receive financial and technical help to install or implement structural and management conservation practices on eligible agricultural land.  EQIP was reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill).  The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers EQIP. Funding for EQIP comes from the Commodity Credit Corporation.

EQIP offers contracts with a minimum term that ends one year after the implementation of the last scheduled practice and a maximum term of 10 years. EQIP activities are carried out according to a conservation plan of operations developed with the program participants. Contracts with confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) are required to develop and implement a comprehensive nutrient management plan (CNMP). The conservation practices are subject to Oklahoma NRCS standards and specifications. Farmers and ranchers may elect to use a certified third-party provider for technical assistance, if available.

The EQIP program signup is open and continuous. Sign-up is conducted at the local USDA Service Centers. Applications will be evaluated continuously and reviewed periodically to select high priority applications for contract development depending on fund availability. NRCS offices will establish application evaluation periods locally and a cut off point each year when funds must be obligated. Rankings within all of these areas consider cost-effective practices, use of practices that treat multiple resource concerns, and environmental benefits. Cost-share percentages have been set based upon recommendations from the Local Work Group and the Oklahoma State Technical Committee. Incentive payments may be provided for up to three years to encourage producers to carry out management practices they may not otherwise implement without the incentive.

An individual or entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-share or incentive payment that, in the aggregate, exceed $450,000 for all EQIP contracts entered into during the term of the 2002 Farm Bill.

Contacts

Last Reviewed/Modified: 09/26/2007

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