Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

The best way to learn if EQIP is a good fit for you is by contacting your local NRCS office. If you choose to move forward, your local NRCS conservationist will guide you through applying for the program.

An official tax ID (Social Security number or an employer ID)

A property deed or lease agreement to show you have control of the property; and

A farm number.

If you don’t have a farm number, you can get one from USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Typically, the local FSA office is located in the same building as the local NRCS office. You only need a farm number if you’re interested in financial assistance.

Applications will be accepted for all eligible lands and applicants.

Eligible land includes:

Cropland and hayland

Rangeland

Pastureland

Non-industrial private forestland

Other farm or ranch lands

Environmentally sensitive areas

Eligible applicants(s) include:

Agricultural producers

Owners of non-industrial private forestland

Indian Tribes

Those with an interest in the agricultural or forestry operations

Water management entities

Farm records must be established or updated with the Farm Service Agency for both the applicants and the land for your application to be eligible and evaluated.

Farm records must indicate the applicant:

Controls or owns eligible land;

Meets adjusted gross income (AGI) and payment limitation provisions;

Is in compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements;

If you are an Historically Underserved Farmer or Rancher, you may be eligible for the advance payment option.

In addition to these requirements, approved participants, through consultation with NRCS​ conservation planners, must develop an EQIP plan of operations that addresses at least one natural resource concern.

Socially disadvantaged, beginning and limited resource farmers, Indian tribes and veterans are eligible for an increased payment rate and may receive advance payment of up to 50 percent to purchase materials and services needed to implement conservation practices included in their EQIP contract.