Norwich – New York Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces Nov. 21, 2014 as the application cutoff date for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for the 2015 fiscal year.

Applications accepted after Nov. 21, 2014 may be considered for funding if additional application rounds are announced or for potential consideration in 2016. All applications are competitive and are ranked based on national, state and locally identified resource priorities and the overall benefit to the environment.

“NRCS provides New York’s agricultural producers with financial and technical assistance to treat the resource concerns on the land,” said Gregory Kist, NRCS State Conservationist. “Our programs are as diverse as New York’s agriculture providing exciting opportunities for all of New York’s agricultural producers to work with us.”

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): offers financial assistance for practices which address soil erosion, water quality and habitat degradation. Practices implemented through EQIP include strip cropping, grassed waterways and manure storage facilities. Focus areas within the EQIP program include soil health, livestock waste, habitat, forestry and grazing.

Anyone interested in applying for an NRCS conservation program can visit the NRCS website for information at: www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ny/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=nrcs144p2_027058.

You may apply by visiting your local NRCS field office, which can be located using the web site: offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=NY.