The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced the 2020 Environmental Quality Incentives Program sign-up, with an application deadline of Feb. 28.

The EQIP provides an opportunity for farmers, ranchers and private landowners to apply for financial and technical assistance.

NRCS accepts EQIP applications throughout the year but makes funding selections at specific times during the fiscal year. NRCS is encouraging Alabama producers and private landowners to submit their applications as soon as possible because funding is limited.

NRCS provided more than $29 million in EQIP funding to eligible Alabama farmers, ranchers, forest landowners and private landowners in fiscal year 2019.

“NRCS works hard to help eligible farmers, ranchers and private landowners plan and carry out conservation practices that can benefit all Alabama’s residents by providing clean air and water, healthy and productive forests and healthy soils,” explained Ben Malone, state conservationist for Alabama. “EQIP provides crucial funding to help producers carry out these practices on their agricultural land.”

EQIP, a voluntary conservation program, promotes agricultural production and environmental quality. This program is available to eligible producers and landowners and offers financial and technical assistance to install or implement structural and management practices on private land that deliver environmental benefits, such as improved water quality and reduced soil erosion. Eligible land includes cropland, pastureland and non-industrial private forestland.

To learn more about financial and technical assistance available to help Alabama farmers and other landowners improve and protect their land, visit NRCS in Alabama’s website at www.al.nrcs.usda.gov, contact the local NRCS office at 256-332-0274 or visit the local office at 13150 Highway 43, Suite 7A, Russellville.