By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has launched an expedited funding initiative called Act Now under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This new authority aims to streamline the application process for farmers interested in implementing climate-smart agriculture and forestry (CSAF) practices, such as cover crops and nutrient management, on their cropland or grasslands.
Act Now is designed to provide immediate approval for eligible practices that do not disturb the ground, including seeding cover crops, conservation cover, and implementing no-till planting.
This initiative not only speeds up the funding process but also allows producers to commence their conservation projects without the lengthy wait times typically associated with government programs.
Under this initiative, NRCS Nebraska can pre-approve applications that meet the pre-determined minimum ranking score and fulfill the planning requirements of the project. This results in a significant reduction in the time taken from application to contract development, often completing the process within a few weeks, according to Robert Lawson, NRCS Nebraska State Conservationist.
Producers interested in the Act Now initiative do not need to apply separately but are automatically considered for priority funding when applying for an eligible practice under EQIP. Applications are accepted continuously, with the Fiscal Year 2025 funding cycle requiring submissions by May 16, 2025.
Funding decisions will begin in January and continue as resources allow, with applications ranked and scored based on local conservation needs and the overall environmental benefits of the proposed work.
Once the funding limit for Act Now is reached within a fiscal year, any remaining applications will carry over to the next cycle. This ensures that all eligible and valuable projects have an opportunity to receive funding.
Farmers and landowners are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center to learn more about how they can benefit from this and other NRCS programs. For further details about EQIP or to find a service center, visit the NRCS Nebraska website. This initiative not only helps expedite crucial conservation efforts but also aligns with broader environmental quality goals by supporting sustainable agricultural practices across the state.
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