SC: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by NRCS is aimed at assisting farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in incorporating conservation practices into working lands. This flagship conservation program offers both technical and financial assistance to address various natural resource concerns, including, but not limited to, improved water and air quality, conservation of ground and surface water, increased soil health, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, enhanced wildlife habitat, and mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility. EQIP supports the implementation of conservation practices and activities that contribute to cleaner water and air, healthier soil, and better wildlife habitat, ultimately benefiting agricultural operations. Financial assistance for these practices may be available through EQIP, with specific initiatives such as the High Tunnel Initiative, Organic Initiative, Air Quality Initiative, Landscape Conservation Initiative, On-Farm Energy Initiative, and the Colorado River Basin Salinity Project. Moreover, EQIP offers grant opportunities through Conservation Innovation Grants to foster the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies on agricultural lands.