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South Carolina 2011 State EQIP Sign-Up and Application Information
Conservation Programs Protect Soil, Water, and Wildlife
EQIP helps farmers improve production while protecting environmental quality
by addressing such concerns as soil erosion and productivity, grazing
management, water quality, animal waste, and forestry concerns. EQIP also
assists eligible small-scale farmers who have historically not participated in
or ranked high enough to be funded in previous program sign ups. WHIP assists
landowners who want to improve wildlife habitat or restore natural ecosystems on
their land.
There is a continuous signup for these programs; however, to increase your
chances of funding, apply by September 30. Funding selections will be announced
in the second quarter of 2011. Producers interested in applying should visit
their local USDA Service Center as soon as possible to prepare their
applications.
General Program Description
All sign-ups are conducted at USDA Service Centers in South Carolina.
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program
from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. It supports production agriculture and
environmental quality as compatible goals. Through
EQIP, farmers may receive
financial and technical help with structural and management conservation practices on
agricultural land.
EQIP was reauthorized
in the 2008 Farm Bill and is administered by the
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
In South Carolina, EQIP
will pay 75 percent of the costs of eligible conservation practices under the
general sign-up. Historically Underserved who are Limited Resource, Socially Disadvantaged,
and Beginning Farmers are eligible for 90 percent cost share.
Those to be considered Socially Disadvantaged for this program are American
Indians and Alaskan Natives, Asians, Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or
Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders. Incentive payments may be made to encourage a farmer
to adopt land management practices, such as nutrient management, manure management, integrated
pest management, precision farming, and wildlife habitat management.
Organic Initiative and High Tunnel Study
The 2008 Farm Bill provides specific opportunities for organic producers and
those transitioning to organic farming. South Carolina farmers who are
transitioning to organic or who are currently certified organic can apply to
receive assistance under the Organic Initiative
through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Funding is also available through EQIP for a
High
Tunnel Pilot Study which will enable producers to experiment with structures
(also called “hoop houses”) that can help them reduce pesticide use, keep vital
nutrients in the soil, extend the growing season, increase yields, and provide
other benefits to growers. A number of "core" organic conservation practices may
be funded through the EQIP Organic Initiative, including cover crops,
conservation crop rotation, prescribed grazing, pest management, nutrient
management, and forage harvest management.
More Information about the Organic
Initiative in South Carolina
2011 EQIP
Overview and Application Tools
How
EQIP
Works in
South Carolina
Links to Other Useful Documents for the 2010 EQIP Program
EQIP Archives
FY 2010
FY 2009
FY 2008
FY 2007
FY 2006
Contact
Shaun Worley
Program Specialist
Phone: 803-253-3512
Email: shaun.worley@sc.usda.gov
Last Modified:
12/28/2010 | |
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