Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality by allowing farmers to receive financial and technical assistance in installing or implementing structural practices or conservation practices on eligible agricultural land.

EQIP will provide cost share assistance for practices involving forest stand improvement, fire and fuel breaks, prescribed burning, restoration and management of forest habitats, and tree establishement. The program may pay up to 75% of the costs of qualifying practices. Activities must be carried out according to a nutrient management plan approved by a Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) agent in your conservation district. The NRCS evaluates applications and priority is given to applicants who use cost-effective practices, that address national conservation priorities, and that optimize environmental benefits. A maximum of $300,000 per individual for all their program contracts entered during any six year period may be received by a landowner who qualifies. Interested landowners may contact their county NRCS office for further information.