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NRCS Accepting Applications
from Ohio Farmers for Key Conservation Program
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications to help
producers improve water and air quality, build healthier soil, improve grazing
and forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations, and achieve other
environmental benefits.
NRCS has directed over $13 million in financial assistance for
fiscal 2013 to help Ohio producers implement conservation practices through the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the agency’s largest Farm Bill
conservation program. Interested producers should visit their local NRCS service
center for information on EQIP sign-up periods.
“The Environmental Quality Incentives Program offers farmers and
forestland managers a variety of options to conserve natural resources while
boosting production on their lands,” State Conservationist Terry Cosby said.
“This $13 million conservation investment helps improve environmental health and
the economy of Ohio’s rural communities.”
EQIP provides financial assistance for a variety of conservation
activities, such as nutrient management, reduced tillage, field buffers,
rotational grazing systems and much more. The deadline for the next signup
period in Ohio is January 18, 2013. A second sign-up deadline will occur on
February 15, 2013, if funding is available.
Additionally, NRCS offers special initiatives through EQIP, including:
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On-Farm Energy Initiative: helps producers conserve energy on their
operations.
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Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative: helps producers install high tunnels
designed to extend the growing season into the cold months, increase
productivity, keep plants at a steady temperature and conserve water and
energy.
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Organic Initiative: helps producers to install conservation practices on
certified organic operations or those working toward organic certification.
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Air Quality Initiative: helps producers address air quality concerns through
establishing conservation practices such as cover crops, windbreaks,
nutrient management and other conservation measures that mitigate and
prevent air quality problems.
To participate in EQIP, an applicant must be an individual, entity or
joint operation that meets EQIP eligibility criteria. Applicants can sign up at
their local NRCS service center.
For more information about EQIP or other technical or financial
assistance programs offered by NRCS, please contact your local service center:
http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs
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USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps America’s farmers
and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural
resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that
benefit both the landowner and the environment.
Follow
NRCS on
Twitter. Check out other conservation-related stories on the
USDA blog. Watch videos on our
YouTube channel.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of
discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,
Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or
call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), 800-877-8339 (Local or Federal
relay), (866-367-8642 (Relay voice users).
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