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Virginia EQIP Signup and Application Information
General Program Description
Virginia's EQIP addresses resource concerns important to improving and
maintaining the state's water and environmental quality. The Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program from the
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. It supports production agriculture
and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through EQIP, farmers may receive
financial and technical help with structural and management conservation
practices on agricultural land and privately owned non-commercial forest land.
EQIP may pay between 35 and 90 percent cost-share to establish eligible
conservation practices.
Incentive payments may be made to encourage a farmer to adopt land management
practices, such as grazing management, manure management, and
wildlife habitat management.
2009 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) At a Glance (pdf, 148
kb)
Virginia's Resource Concerns
- Air Quality - Assistance to install conservation practices designed to
reduce greenhouse gases. Available in Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William
Counties.
- Animal Waste Water Quality Concerns - Assistance to construct animal
waste storage and handling facilities for various types of livestock
including dairy, swine, and poultry.
- Cropland Water Quality Concerns - Assistance to improve soil quality
with crop rotations and high residue crop production in a continuous no-till
program and with erosion control practices.
- Forestry Water Quality Concerns - Assistance to establish or
re-establish forest trees and with stabilization of logging roads, skid
trails and landings on privately owned noncommercial forest land.
- Grazing Water Quality Concerns - Assistance to plan and implement grazing
systems with cross-fencing and watering systems, and to establish riparian
buffers, and apply nutrients more efficiently.
- Ground and Surface Water - Assistance to improve irrigation efficiency
and protect ground and surface water resources.
- New and Beginning Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers - Ten
percent of all EQIP funds have been set aside to assist new farmers and/or
historically underserved clients. Landowners certify they belong to one of
these groups. Incentive payments up to 90% for installation of conservation
practices are available for new and beginning and socially disadvantaged
farmers. In addition, individuals may receive up to 30% in advance for
purchasing materials or contracting.
- Organic Agriculture Resource Concern - The 2009 Organic Initiative is a
nationwide special initiative to provide financial assistance to National
Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as producers in
the process of transitioning to organic production. Organic producers may
also apply for assistance under general EQIP.
- Poultry Litter Transfer - Assistance to encourage the proper application
of poultry litter on suitable agricultural lands in an environmentally
responsible manner and according to a certified nutrient management plan.
- Wildlife Habitat for At-Risk Species - Assistance to establish habitat
for wildlife species.
EQIP Archives: FY2008,
FY2007
Contact:
Dan Solomon
(804) 287-1661
E-mail: dan.solomon@va.usda.gov
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