Popular NRCS Conservation Program Expediting Rankings, Funding Contracts
Ohio producers interested in the popular Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Inflation Reduction Act – Environmental Quality Incentives Program – (IRA-EQIP) funding can take advantage of the ACT NOW process, which immediately approves and obligates applications when the application meets or exceeds a state-determined minimum ranking score. Applicants will experience a targeted, rapid streamlined application and contract approval process. EQIP and IRA-EQIP provide financial and technical resources to producers and landowners to improve their operations, commodity production and environmental benefits.
Call 419-747-8691, Ext. 3, visit the Ohio NRCS EQIP website or visit our website for more information.
Conservation Stewardship Program Funding Available to Ohio Landowners, Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications from landowners interested in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to build on existing conservation efforts to increase operational efficiencies and environmental benefits as well as reduce overall input costs. This year, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding is providing additional financial opportunities for select conservation practices and enhancements to increase direct climate mitigation benefits.
Ohio NRCS is increasing the minimum annual payment for agricultural producers participating in CSP from $1,500 to $4,000 starting in fiscal year 2024. The increase addresses challenges faced by small scale, underserved, and urban producers and improves equity in the program by making participation more financially beneficial for smaller operations. The new minimum payment is available for new and renewed CSP contracts, and applications for the program.
Additionally, producers and landowners can take advantage of the ACT NOW process, which immediate approves and obligates applications when the application meets or exceeds a state-determined minimum ranking score. Applicants will experience a targeted, rapid streamlined application and contract approval process.
For more information, call 419-747-8691, Ext. 3, visit the Ohio NRCS CSP webpage or visit our website.
2024 H2Ohio Enrollment is Now Open
H2Ohio is now accepting new enrollments for 2024! H2Ohio is a voluntary program that pays farmers to adopt practices that will reduce phosphorus leaving the farm, such as planting cover crops.
The first step to participate in H2Ohio is to have a Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan. If you wish to seek the opportunity for possible funding to help with the cost of a Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan and you are willing to work with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and a Technical Service Provider, you can apply for EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentive Program) in January 2024 by contacting Jason Ruhl, NRCS District Conservationist, or Jordan Miller, Soil Conservationist at 419-747-8691 x3. More information here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/apply-for-environmental-quality-incentives-program-eqip.