The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program administrated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It supports production agriculture and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through EQIP, growers may receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and land management conservation practices on eligible agricultural land.

State priorities are reviewed annually. A State Technical Committee of representatives from commodity groups and conservation partners advise NRCS on the implementation of EQIP.

EQIP activities are carried out according to a site specific conservation plan developed in conjunction with the producer. All conservation practices are installed according to NRCS technical standards.

EQIP offers contracts with a minimum term of one year and commonly for three years. Cost share for individual practices will vary, but will not exceed 75 percent. Cost share for limited resource farmers and beginning farmers, for individual practices will vary, but will not exceed 90 percent. Incentive rates are established at a level to be appropriate to facilitate an environmentally beneficial land management change.

Getting started -- contact your local NRCS
The NRCS staff located at local USDA Service Centers will be one of your best assets for success with EQIP. Visit this website, http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app, to get phone numbers, the address and driving directions to the Service Center in your area with an NRCS office.

We have developed a simple how-to guide that summarizes the process for applying to EQIP.

Learn from other's success
Read about farmers' success with EQIP.