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U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite B
Boise, Idaho 83709

For more information:
Lee Brooks 378 5720
 

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM - PROPOSED RULE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

BOISE, Feb. 11, 2003—The proposed rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) has been released in the Federal Register for public comments. The 2002 Farm Bill reauthorized and amended the program, which is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

"EQIP is one of the largest programs in the Farm Bill and is designed to help producers meet the significant federal, state and local environmental regulations they face," said Richard Sims, NRCS state conservationist for Idaho. "Funds will help farmers and ranchers install conservation practices that protect natural resources on their land."

Through the rule making process, NRCS has streamlined program administration and addressed several primary statutory changes. Comments from the public will be used to make revisions, if necessary, that will be issued in a final rule.

Highlights of the revised EQIP proposed rules include:

-Reduction in the amount of planning requirements needed to develop a contract.

-Provides up to 90 percent cost share for limited resource and beginning producers.

-Provides livestock producers with cost share assistance for waste storage facilities regardless of size, but must develop and implement a comprehensive nutrient management plan.

-Allowance of producers to have more than one contract per tract at any given time.

-Allocates 60 percent of EQIP funds towards livestock related practices.

-Payment limitation of $450,000 per qualified individual or entity for all fiscal year 2002-2007 EQIP contracts.

Comments on the EQIP proposed rule must be received by Mar. 12. The rule may be accessed via Internet at http://nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/products.html and comments submitted to. FarmBillRules@usda.gov. Persons who require alternative means for communication such as Braille, large print, audio tape, etc., should contact the USDA TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).


USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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