The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New Jersey is now accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) through additional funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), through March 31.
These funds will provide direct climate mitigation benefits for producers to advance conservation through practices like cover cropping, conservation tillage, wetland restoration, prescribed grazing, nutrient management, tree planting and more.
“Through the Inflation Reduction Act, New Jersey producers and forest landowners have access to a once in-a-generation investment," said New Jersey State Conservationist Julie Hawkins. "This additional funding for climate-smart practices will not only allow us to extend our financial and technical assistance to more clients, but will have a positive impact on agricultural operations, forestland, and the surrounding environment for many years to come."
In administering the IRA climate investments, USDA will also support other environmental co-benefits, including – among other things – water conservation, wildlife habitat improvements, and reducing runoff.
A complete list of eligible practices and activities can be found here:
Inflation Reduction Act Practice and Activity List - FY23 (515.16 KB)
Through EQIP, NRCS provides agricultural producers with one-on-one help and financial assistance to plan and implement conservation practices to address a variety of issues such as water quality degradation, soil erosion, soil quality degradation and inadequate habitat for fish and wildlife.
CSP is for working lands including cropland, pastureland, and nonindustrial private forest land. Participating farmers will further address priority resource concerns related to soil quality, water quality, air quality, and plant health. On-farm benefits include increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife population improvements, and better resilience to weather variables. For producers who are already taking steps to improve the condition of their land, CSP can help them find ways to meet their goals.
NRCS accepts producer applications for its conservation programs year-round, but producers interested in EQIP or CSP should apply by the ranking date to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Funding is provided through a competitive process.
Source : usda.gov