Farmers Urged to Apply for USDA Funding

South Carolina (October 10, 2001) – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently announced that the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is under a continuous sign-up and applications received by December 15, 2001, at USDA Service Centers, will be prioritized for 2002 funding.  EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to eligible farmers and agricultural landowners to address soil, water and related natural resource concerns.
Approximately $1.5 million will be provided for environmental improvement in South Carolina through priority areas and a statewide conservation concern.  EQIP provides cost-sharing and incentive payments for certain conservation practices such as filter strips, nutrient management, waste management systems, waste utilization, grassed waterways, prescribed grazing, vegetative buffers, and wildlife habitat enhancement.  Total cost-share and incentive payments are limited annually to $10,000 per person and $50,000 for the life of the contract, which can span five to 10 years.  NRCS and conservation districts will ensure that county 
educational plans are developed in an effort to reach and inform all producers, especially under-represented landowners.

“We must continue to do everything we can to conserve and protect South Carolina’s natural resources,” emphasized Kenneth Rentiers, Jr., FSA state director.  “EQIP is a step in the 
right direction, providing incentives to protect our soil, water, air, plants and wildlife.”  Landowners who agree to address the primary conservation concerns in the priority areas and in the statewide concern will be given preference for an EQIP contract.  NRCS and 
FSA local offices can provide landowners with statewide and priority area objectives and the criteria that will be used to rank applications.  EQIP is a USDA conservation program contained in the 1996 Farm Bill. The program is managed by NRCS in conjunction with FSA and Soil and Water Conservation Districts, providing cost-share assistance to landowners to address significant natural resource objectives on agricultural lands.
“We are continuing to implement new program initiatives to increase the quality of life in South Carolina,” stated Walter W. Douglas, NRCS state conservationist.  “Through the combined 
efforts of private landowners, local, state and federal agencies, our state’s natural resources are assured sustainability.”
For further information and sign up, contact your local USDA Service Center or Soil and Water Conservation District office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Amy O. Maxwell
Public Affairs Specialist
(803) 765-5419
amy.maxwell@sc.usda.gov