2004 Environmental Quality
Incentives Program
Rhode Island Summary
Overview
In 2004, Rhode Island experienced a large jump in both the number of EQIP applications
received and the amount of cost share funds applied for. Fortunately, with the passage of the
2002 Farm Bill, we were able to meet many of those requests. Thirty-six new contracts were
selected for funding from the 60 applications received, at an average cost of $38,650 per
contract. The vast majority of the contracts address livestock related concerns, such as manure
storage and fencing animals out of wet areas. Several contracts also address irrigation water
management systems, including the source of water, delivery of water to the field, and
application of water. Many other contracts address erosion control on cropland and forestland.
Accomplishments
In total, Rhode Island has developed 12 EQIP contracts and represents $794,534 in federal cost
share assistance. Despite Rhode Island’s small size, agriculture in the state is as diverse as in
our neighboring states. The EQIP program addresses problems that reflect that diversity.
While there are over 700 farming operations in Rhode Island, a state with just over 600,000
total acres, many of these farms are operated by producers who work full-time off of the farm.
As such, NRCS has worked with its partners to develop the EQIP program in Rhode Island to
meet the needs of both the full-time commercial farmers as well as the smaller “hobby” farms
that are becoming more common. NRCS has benefited Rhode Island's natural resources by
installing: improved irrigation systems that conserve water, alternate sources of water for large
volume irrigators that enhance riparian systems; comprehensive nutrient management systems
that include waste storage, land application, and fencing; and a variety of land management
practices to protect water quality.
Outlook
The agricultural community of Rhode Island finds it increasingly more difficult to farm in a
ra