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PHOENIX, October 14, 2009 - The Natural
Resources Conservation Service in Arizona is accepting applications for
the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat
Incentives Program (WHIP), with an application deadline of Nov. 5. NRCS
will review applications received by this date and rank them for fiscal
year 2010 funding.
NRCS Arizona helped farmers and ranchers with a broad spectrum of
natural resource enhancements in 2009, including increasing irrigation
efficiency, nutrient and manure management on dairies, grazing land
management, wildlife habitat, forest management and more. The funding
was used on infrastructure items such as underground drip irrigation and
livestock watering systems, as well as incentive payments for proper
management to achieve environmental benefits.
Agriculture producers are encouraged to apply throughout the year for
EQIP, WHIP, and other Farm Bill programs administered by NRCS. “The Nov.
5 deadline is simply so we set a time to review and rank applications
for funding,” said David McKay, NRCS state conservationist. “Farmers and
ranchers can apply whenever they are ready to plan improvements to their
land’s natural resources. Additional application ranking deadlines may
be announced throughout the year.”
In addition to EQIP and WHIP, other Farm Bill programs may be available
later in the fiscal year to help Arizona agriculture. Organic farmers
can take advantage of a special EQIP program for use only with certified
organic growers and those wanting to transition to organic production.
The 2008 Farm Bill also authorized a special program to help agriculture
producers with air quality concerns. NRCS will put out more information
on the organic and air quality programs during the coming months.
NRCS has 24 field offices throughout Arizona with experts ready to help
farmers and ranchers get the best use out of the land’s natural
resources. Visit our contact page
to find the closest office to you. |
EQIP and WHIP ranking deadlines are Nov. 5.
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