[Riverweb] FW: USDA NRCS Farm Program Opportunity for IL Farmers

[Kim Erndt]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: December 11, 2007                             Contact: Paige Buck
<mailto:paige.buck at il.usda.gov> , State Public Affairs Specialist, (217)
353.6606

 

 

Get Your EQIP Applications in; Access '08 Funds Now!

 

Champaign IL-With Fiscal Year 2008 EQIP funds still remaining, Illinois NRCS
will conduct a third application batching period for the Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that will run until January 25th, 2008.
All eligible applications and contracts collected by that date will be
considered for funding with the remaining $6 million available for
cost-share assistance. EQIP funding categories at this time include:

 

*         Grazing Land Operations

*         General EQIP

*         Confined Livestock Operations

*         Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs)

*         Forest Management Plans

*         Forest Management Implementation

 

"All Illinois landowners with approved EQIP plans and contracts will receive
a letter from their NRCS District Conservationist that explains the
process-what you need to do and what not to do in order to be eligible for
financial assistance," says NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle. Illinois
NRCS gathered and ranked the second batch of new EQIP applications last
month, obligating another $6.5 million for more than 500 new contracts that
will put quality conservation solutions on the ground.


"Although the new Farm Bill has not yet been finalized, FY08 funds for EQIP
are available right now.  NRCS is authorized to plan and work with Illinois
producers to get conservation on the ground," adds Assistant State
Conservationist for Programs Ivan Dozier. While USDA and NRCS state and
national budgets are still operating under a Continuing Resolution, NRCS is
committed to stay on task and has adequate staff budgets to deliver
traditional conservation technical assistance.

 

"EQIP was a crucial part of the 2002 Farm Bill and it will continue to offer
valuable guidance and natural resource protection in the future. It's still
the best conservation program we've got," says Gradle. Landowners prepared
to begin resource planning that addresses soil, water, and wildlife issues
on their ground are urged to take the first step and get signed up for
remaining 2008 NRCS EQIP funds in Illinois.

 

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