Natural Resources Conservation Service
6200 Jefferson NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
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News Release
Contact: Barbara Garrett, public affairs specialist
June 28, 2006
(505)761-4406
NRCS Announces EQIP Application Period
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The FY2007 Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)
application period opens today and will continue until November 3, 2006, according to Norman
Vigil, New Mexico’s assistant state conservationist for programs for the USDA-Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). EQIP is a key program under the 2002 Farm Bill that
provides cost-share funds to working farms and ranches for conservation improvements. Like all
NRCS programs, participation is voluntary.
EQIP is typically used in New Mexico for irrigation system improvements that conserve
water, and rangeland improvements such as brush management and development of water
sources for livestock and wildlife. In FY2006 $18.2 million was allocated in New Mexico
through EQIP.
“EQIP provides incentive payments and cost-share funds to private livestock or
agricultural producers to implement conservation practices,” said Vigil. “It promotes
agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. And, it is extremely
important for producers to note that the application deadline is early this year.”
According to Vigil, the early deadline is a continuing effort to improve the funding
process. The accelerated program cut-off dates will allow producers time to complete practices
during the first years of their contracts. The earlier application deadline date will help
accommodate field work in preparation for a project, to be done in the fall before winter weather
sets in. Finally, the early date will allow producers to get to their project work in the spring
rather than later in the summer when they are in the middle of