Printer Friendly Version (PDF)

Things Farmers Want to Know
EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentive Program)

Q1. Does this program replace programs like Conservation Reserve Program (C.R.P.), Wetland Reserve Program (W.R.P.), Forestry Incentive Program (FIP), Agriculture Conservation Program (A.C.P.), etc.?

EQIP does replace some of the historical conservation programs. Specifically, the A.C.P. cost-share, Great Plains Program, Colorado Salinity Program and Water Quality Incentives Program. Other programs remain as a part of the 1996 Farm Bill. The Conservation Reserve, Wetlands Reserve, Forestry Incentives, and new programs such as the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program have been added to the mix of Farm Bill related conservation initiatives.

Q2. I am already doing a good job of environmental stewardship on my farm. What is in EQIP for me?

That depends on the location of your farm and existing natural resource management concerns in the region. The program is designed to get the most conservation value for the number of dollars spent. The full answer can only come after doing a complete farm conservation plan. The needs and costs of recommended conservation practices can then be evaluated against other competing needs.

Q3. How do I enroll?

Sign-up is officially defined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (N.R.C.S.) supported by your local Conservation District. There will be at least one open sign-up period per year, but you can actually sign up at any time during the year. Your application will only be evaluated and considered during an official sign-up period. The actions of N.R.C.S. will be supported by the Farm Service Agency (F.S.A.), the Cooperative Extension Service, and other interested state agencies. An important part of enrollment is gaining the best possible understanding of your conservation needs; one option for reaching that understanding is through a Farm*A*Syst assessment process available through the county Extension office. Farm*A*Syst will better prepare you to answer the questions that must be dealt with in an EQIP application.

Q4. What if I have never participated in a federal farm program in the past. Can I still be eligible?

Enrollment is limited to persons engaged in livestock or agricultural production. Conservation compliance is a condition for enrollment. Producers with no history of U.S.D.A. program participation will be expected to meet conservation compliance conditions. Your local F.S.A. office can aid you in determining your current status or farm eligibility.

Q5. Can I meet the matching requirement with the use of my own equipment, labor, plant materials, etc.?

N.R.C.S. will offer a certain amount not to exceed rates allowed in an approved cost list. This amount of cost-share will be allowed regardless of the method you use to implement the practice. You may choose to accept less to improve your overall ranking. It is possible to value some of your actions and personal investment of time, labor, equipment, and other farm resources against the required cost-share. N.R.C.S. standards will be used to value specific inputs necessary to the conservation practices being considered. Each case will also be affected by the individual's capacity to complete the conservation practice to N.R.C.S. specifications and in a timely way.

Q6. Can I get out of the program before my contract expires?

Yes, but there may be a cost for early contract termination. Contracts will be from five to ten years in length. There may be a prorated cost associated with the value of the conservation practices and their expected normal life. Enter into the contract with the full understanding of the potential cost involved and the associated time requirement.

Q7. What if I sell my property before my contract expires?

Property can be sold with the conservation program in place. The new owner can accept responsibility for continuing the original contract to its normal end and in so doing become the new contractee. In this case the new owner accepts all responsibility for continuing the contract to its conclusion. If the contract is to be voided, repayment may be required before either party is released from the basic contract responsibility. Unpaid penalties and contract liabilities can be assessed as liens against the property. It is the original contractee's responsibility to ensure that all contract obligations are met. Refer to the answer to question 6.

Q8. I am a tenant farmer. Will I be eligible for enrollment in EQIP?

As a tenant farmer or land manager your eligibility will be determined by your ability to control the property for the length of a contract (minimum 5 years). The best "proof of control" is a signed and notarized lease agreement for the required time period.

Q9. What kind of practices are eligible for cost-share payments?

Cost-share items are defined and approved by N.R.C.S. and F.S.A. and are specific to priority areas. These practices are outlined by established guidelines. Specific resource needs can be addressed by alternative conservation practices when properly justified and approved. Producers will be able to choose among suitable alternatives.

Q10. How and when do I receive the money once my contract is approved?

Any practices installed within the first year of the contract will not be paid until after October 1 of that year (1997). In the following year, payment will be made after the bill has been processed (usually within two to four weeks). Payment is made as a direct deposit to the bank of the contractee's choice.

Q11. How long will I have to keep the conservation practices in place?

Conservation practices must be maintained for the expected life of the practice as defined by F.S.A.. Your conservation plan must be implemented within the time frame of the contract. The minimum contract length is five years.

Q12. Will the priorities that have been established remain the same next year?

Not necessarily. Each year begins a new process of establishing priorities (set by local conservation work groups). Although new priorities may be established, some local priorities may remain the same for the next fiscal year or multiple years.

Q13. How long is the EQIP program going to be available?

Funding is currently available through the 1996 Farm Bill which authorizes EQIP through 2002. However, future funding is dependent on new or continued annual legislative appropriation.

Q14. I don't think the highest priorities were addressed in my area. How do I get the priorities changed?

Priorities are established through local conservation work groups on an annual basis. If your specific concern was not previously identified as a priority issue, contact your local N.R.C.S. or representatives of your County Conservation Work Group for the next opportunity to address your concern.

Q15. What are the consequences of a contract violation?

There will be penalties. The penalties assessed will be based on liquidated damages determined by U.S.D.A..

Q16. What does "competitive" mean when referring to EQIP enrollment?

EQIP is designed to get the maximum conservation return for the cost-share dollar spent. Ranking criteria is used to ensure that stated objectives are met most economically. Each EQIP application is evaluated using N.R.C.S. ranking criteria specific to the priority area and assigned a numerical value. These values are compared and ranked to meet the stated objective in a given priority area. Outside of priority areas the applications are ranked on a county basis. You can make your EQIP bid more competitive by increasing your personal inputs for implementing cost-share practices and decreasing the amount of cost-share required.

Q17. Is there an appeal process if I disagree with a decision made at the local level?

Yes. That process is formal and guidelines are available at your local U.S.D.A. Field Service Center.

Q18. I'm not actively engaged in farming but I own land that needs some conservation measures applied. Am I eligible to apply for EQIP program funds?

As the question is posed you are not eligible for the EQIP funds, but there are many other options available that may satisfy your conservation needs. An F.S.A. determination may be required to officially decide your eligibility.

Q19. What are the cost-share limits for an individual producer or landowner?

The maximum cost-share available per individual is $50,000 over the life of a contract. Annually the cost share is limited to $10,000. That amount may be waived by the State Conservationist if an overriding conservation concern is identified.

Q20. When can I sign up for EQIP?

Applications will be accepted at any time. However, only those applications received prior to and during an announced sign-up period will be ranked and considered for contract. Applications received after the close of a formal sign-up period will be held for consideration and ranking at the next announced sign-up window.

Published in cooperation with N.R.C.S., F.S.A., U.A.C.E.S., U.A.P.B., A.A.C.D., A.D.E.Q., A.G.&.F.C., A.F.C., A.S.W.C.C., D.U., F.W.S., and Arkansas' 75 Conservation Districts.

U.S.D.A. Agencies, University of Arkansas, and State and Local Conservation Agencies Cooperating, 02-2