USDA is accepting applications from agricultural producers and forest landowners from Texas for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which offers producers financial and technical assistance to address resource concerns on their land.
While USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts EQIP applications year-round, Texas producers and landowners should apply by - to be considered for funding in the current cycle./Applications received after the ranking date will automatically be considered during the next funding cycle./ Funding is provided through a competitive process. Texas Technical Committees, composed of conservation and agricultural- related agency and organization representatives, work with NRCS to identify resource priorities and how best to address them. NRCS then sets state-specific, ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding that account for producer needs, staff workload and ensure potential participants have ample opportunities to apply. Find Texas’s ranking dates for EQIP and other conservation programs at nrcs.usda.gov/rankingdates.
EQIP offers agricultural producers financial and technical assistance to producers. EQIP offers conservation practices to help producers make improvements, including enhancing water and air quality, conserving ground and surface water, reducing soil erosion and sedimentation, or enhancing wildlife habitat.
If a producer’s application is funded, NRCS will offer an EQIP contract for financial assistance to help address the cost of implementing conservation practices. NRCS provides financial assistance for a wide variety of conservation practices through EQIP, but availability and amount of financial assistance can vary between states.
Payment rates for conservation practices are reviewed and set each fiscal year for the state. Historically underserved producers are eligible for advance payments for all EQIP practices. This option provides historically underserved producers with funding up-front, for at least 50% of the payment rate for each practice. Historically underserved producers include producers who are beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, or limited resource.
To apply for EQIP, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center. Find your local Service Center at farmers.gov/service-locator.