The proposed rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) has been released for public comment. The 2002 Farm Bill reauthorized and amended the program, which is administered by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
"The Farm Bill represents an unprecedented investment in conservation on America's working lands, providing a $17.1 billion increase in conservation over 10 years, which is an 80-percent increase," according to Larry D. Butler, NRCS state conservationist for Texas.
"In addition, the Farm Bill offers voluntary solutions for complying with the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act and other regulations. EQIP, one of the largest programs in the Farm Bill, is designed to help producers meet the significant environmental regulation they face," Butler said.
EQIP is a voluntary conservation program that promotes environmental quality and assists producers to meet local, state and federal regulations. Funds will help farmers and ranchers install conservation practices that protect natural resources by reducing soil erosion, improving water use efficiencies, and protecting grazing land.
Through the rule-making process, NRCS has streamlined program administration and addressed several primary statutory changes in the proposed rule, including:
n Up to 90-percent cost share for limited resource and beginning farmers and ranchers.
n A total payment limitation of $450,000 per qualified individual or entity for all fiscal year 2002-2007 EQIP contracts.
n Providing livestock producers with cost share assistance for waste storage facilities regardless of size, but must develop and implement a comprehensive nutrient management plan.
n Allocating 60 percent of EQIP funds towards livestock-related practices.
The proposed fiscal year 2004 agriculture budget includes $850 million for EQIP to install conservation measures such as erosion control and water-quality enhancement, $51 million for ground and surface water conservation and $8 million for water conservation and water quality enhancements in the Klamath Basin of California and Oregon.
"In Texas, farmers and ranchers are proud of their environmental stewardship and conservation on working lands," Butler said, "Since 1997 more than 6.5 million acres have been enrolled in the EQIP program in Texas. There is a strong commitment for conservation among private landowners to improve the environment and protect our natural resources."
Additional information on EQIP and other conservation programs is on the Web at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002products.html.