NRCS announces funding opportunity for Tribal producers

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana is offering a new assistance opportunity for agricultural producers through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). While NRCS accepts applications year-round, producers and landowners should apply by the Feb. 18, 2022, ranking date to be considered for this year’s funding.

“EQIP is our flagship conservation program. By focusing the expanded benefits of the Conservation Incentive Contracts in high priority areas, we’re enabling Tribal producers to strengthen their land management and conservation practices,” said Tom Watson, NRCS State Conservationist for Montana.

The EQIP Conservation Incentive Contracts will be targeted to include socially disadvantaged producers operating on Montana’s seven reservations and in Blaine, Cascade, Glacier and Hill counties.

The 2018 Farm Bill created the new Conservation Incentive Contracts option to address high-priority conservation and natural resources concerns. Through 5- to 10-year contracts, producers manage, maintain and address important natural resource concerns and build on existing conservation efforts. Conservation Incentive Contracts were piloted in select states in fiscal year 2021. The opportunity is now available nationwide.

Ranking dates for all programs and states are available at nrcs.usda.gov/staterankingdates. Applications received after ranking dates will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.

To learn more about Conservation Incentive Contracts, visit the NRCS website at www.nrcs.usda.gov and click on Programs, then Environmental Quality Incentives Program.