October 1 Deadline for Farmers, Ranchers to Apply for Conservation Financial Help

Nearly $17 million in assistance provided in 2010. PHOENIX The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Arizona is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), with an application deadline of Oct. 1. NRCS will review applications received by this date and rank them for fiscal year 2011 funding. NRCS Arizona helped farmers and ranchers with a broad spectrum of natural resource enhancements in 2010, including increasing irrigation efficiency, nutrient and manure management on dairies, grazing land management, wildlife habitat, forest management and more. The funding was used on infrastructure items such as underground drip irrigation and livestock watering systems, as well as incentive payments for proper management to achieve environmental benefits. Agriculture producers are encouraged to apply throughout the year for EQIP, WHIP, and other Farm Bill programs administered by NRCS. The Oct. 1 deadline is simply so we set a time to review and rank applications for funding, said David McKay, NRCS state conservationist. Farmers and ranchers can apply whenever they are ready to plan improvements to their lands natural resources. Additional application ranking deadlines may be announced throughout the year. EQIP is the program in which NRCS provides the most funding assistance to Arizonas farmers and ranchers. More than $16.5 million was allocated in Arizona for fiscal year 2010. WHIP was not used in 2010 as much as in previous years, with the 2008 Farm Bill restricting use on public lands. With the amount of Tribal land in Arizona, I highly encourage Tribal governments and Tribal land permit-holders to inquire about WHIP, said McKay. In addition to EQIP and WHIP, other Farm Bill programs may be available later in the fiscal year to help Arizona agriculture. Organic farmers can take advantage of a special EQIP program for use only with certified organic growers and those wanting to transition to organic production. The 2008 Farm Bill also authorized a special program to help agriculture producers with air quality concerns. NRCS will put out more information on the organic and air quality programs during the coming months. NRCS has 24 field offices throughout Arizona with experts ready to help farmers and ranchers get the best use out of the lands natural resources. Visit the web at www.az.nrcs.usda.gov to learn more about the technical and financial help NRCS provides.