Introduction

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats to soil, water, air and related natural resources on their land. Through EQIP, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides assistance to agricultural producers in a manner that will:

  • Promote agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals
  • Optimize environmental benefits
  • Help farmers and ranchers meet Federal, State, Tribal, and local environmental requirement

National Priorities

  • Reductions of nonpoint source pollution, such as nutrients, sediment, pesticides, or excess salinity
  • Reduction of groundwater contamination
  • Reduction of point sources such as contamination from animal feeding operations
  • Reduction of emissions, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOX), volatile organic compounds, and ozone precursors
  • Reduction in soil erosion and sedimentation from unacceptable levels on agricultural land
  • Promotion of at-risk species habitat conservation  

Payment Limitations

$300,000 per person over a 6- year period

For conservation programs

Persons or legal entities are eligible if the average non-farm adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than $1,000,000 or 2/3 of the average total AGI is from farming, ranching, or forestry.

How to apply

Apply at your local USDA Service Center with NRCS or the Farm Service Agency or online at USDA Online Services.

Find a local USDA Service Center