EQIP Sign-up Ends March 18
Farmers and ranchers in Texas must sign up for 2005 funding in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the close of business March 18, according to the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
In 2005, Texas will receive approximately $64 million in EQIP financial assistance funds and approximately $5.5 million in ground and surface water EQIP funds.
EQIP was reauthorized in the 2002 Farm Bill to provide a voluntary conservation program that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality. It offers financial and technical help to eligible participants who install or implement structural and/or management practices on eligible agricultural land.
Additional information and access to ranking criteria, practices and cost share rates for EQIP may be found at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/.
For more information, contact Mark Ramirez at the Sterling City NRCS field office (325) 378-3971 or (800) 962-9369.