How EQIP Works in South Carolina 

Details about signup, eligible practices and costshare rates are announced each year.  NRCS evaluates each application, with higher priorities given to applications that use cost-effective conservation practices, address local priorities and provide the most environmental benefit.

Farmers will develop a conservation plan, if they don’t already have one, for the acreage affected by the EQIP practices.  Conservation practices must meet NRCS technical standards.  Farmers may elect to use an approved third-party provider for technical assistance, if available.

The major resource concerns targeted by EQIP in South Carolina are components of the national priorities and measures outlined by the National NRCS Office.  Those national concerns are reduction of nonpoint source pollutants, reduction of emissions, reduction in soil erosion and sedimentation and promotion of the conservation of at risk species.  All EQIP contracts should document an existing resource concern.  

Eligibility

The Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Local Working Group or the Farm Service Agency determine eligible producers for the EQIP program.  Any farmer engaged in livestock or crop production on eligible land may apply for EQIP.  EQIP contracts may be for a tract, farm or multiple farms.   Eligible land includes cropland; rangeland; pasture; private non-industrial forestland; and other farm or ranch lands, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. 

Counties

Counties will receive EQIP allocations based on a percentage of the total amount recommended by the local work group.  This will be done by the Assistant State Conservationist for Programs in November when the state's  funds are received. 

Program Payment Limits

EQIP will pay up to 50 percent of the costs of eligible conservation practices although small scale farmers may be eligible for up to 75 percent cost share. EQIP cost share is limited to $450,000 per person or entity, as well as $40,000 for incentive payments for the entire Farm Bill. Cost share payment on irrigation practices are limited to $15,000 per operation and Stacking Sheds with a roof are limited to 50 percent cost share rate.

Input from Outside Groups, Agencies and Citizens: In South Carolina the list of eligible practices, cost share rates and limits, and scoring criteria were developed based on input and recommendations from the South Carolina State Technical Committee (SCSTC).  The SCSTC is made up of representatives from various agribusinesses, producer groups, conservation organizations and federal, state and tribal government agency representatives.

The SCSTC receives input on factors affecting the program from the Local Work Groups (LWG).  The LWG is made up of county agency staff.  Landowners may provide advice and information to the LWG as part of the locally led process.

A ranking tool will prioritize applications based on the resource concerns that each county selected.  The tool ranks applications on a county wide basis, not statewide.

Contact

Bethel DuRant
Soil Conservationist
Phone: 803-253-3512
Email: bethel.durant@sc.usda.gov

Craig Ellis
Assistant State Conservationist (P)
Phone: (803) 253-3930
Email: craig.ellis@sc.usda.gov