United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
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Virginia EQIP Signup and Application Information

Current Documents and Information Page for Virginia's EQIP

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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