Transcript Conservation in the 2002 Farm Bill

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP)
1
EQIP Key Points
• EQIP is a natural resource enhancement
program
• Addresses natural resource concerns
through improved conservation system
• Promotes agricultural production and
environmental quality as compatible goals
2
EQIP Key Points
• Requires a conservation plan
• Provides technical and financial
assistance
• Considers State Technical Committee
and locally led recommendations
3
EQIP Key Points
• FY 2001 & earlier contracts are valid
and will be carried to term following the
rules that were in effect when the
contract was approved
4
EQIP Key Points
• Allows use of EQIP funds in contract’s
first year
• Increases total payment amounts to
$450,000 per individual over the life of
the Farm Bill
• Reduces contract length
• Eliminates “bidding down”
5
EQIP Key Points
• Adds air quality as a purpose
• Adds ground and surface water
conservation provision
6
EQIP Key Points
• Requires 60 percent of funding for
practices related to livestock production,
including grazing lands
• Eliminates conservation priority areas
7
EQIP Key Points
• Eliminates animal unit cap on large
confined livestock operations
• Requires Comprehensive Nutrient
Management Plan (CNMP) for livestock
waste facilities
• Allows for an incentive payment to develop
a CNMP
8
How to Apply:
• Producers may obtain EQIP applications
at any USDA Service Center
• Applications will be accepted throughout
the year
• Applications for EQIP funding will be
evaluated periodically
9
EQIP Conservation
Innovation Grants
• Initiated after final rule
• Competitive grants to stimulate innovation
• Grant amount not to exceed 50 percent
total project cost
• Non-federal government, non-government
organizations, and individuals may apply
10
National Priorities
• Reduction of nonpoint source
pollutants in impaired watersheds
consistent with TMDLs
• Reduction of groundwater
contamination
• Conservation of ground and surface
water resources
11
National Priorities
•
•
•
Reduction of emissions, that
contribute to air quality impairment
violations of National Air Quality
Standards
Reduction in soil erosion and
sedimentation from unacceptable
levels on ag land
Promotion of at-risk species habitat
conservation
12
Kansas EQIP Natural Resource
Concerns
•
•
•
•
•
Air Quality
Grazing Lands Health
Soil Erosion
Water Quality
Water Quantity
13
KANSAS EQIP APPLICATION
RANKING FACTORS
14
Air Quality-Wind Erosion
• Wind erosion index > 8
• Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of System
Conversion
15
Air Quality-Livestock
Management
• Apply Animal Waste Facility and
CNMP
• Existing/Untreated
• Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of
System Conversion
16
Grazing Lands Health
• Planned Grazing System Percent Rest
Or
Invasive Species Percent Infestation
• Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of
System Conversion
17
Water Quality – Confined Animal
Waste
• Apply Animal Waste Facility and CNMP
• Existing/Untreated, Existing/Improved
Efficiency, New or Expanding
• High Priority TMDL (Fecal Coliform)
Or
KGS Sensitive Ground Water Area
• Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of System
Conversion
18
Water Quality –
Concentrated/Non-Confined
• Apply Animal Waste Facility and CNMP
• Proximity of Existing Feeding Site to
Water Body
• High Priority TMDL (Fecal Coliform)
Or
KGS Sensitive Ground Water Area
• Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of
System Conversion
19
Water Quality – Nutr./Pest/Sed.
• KGS Sensitive Ground Water Area
Or
High Priority TMDL (Eutr., Dis. Ox., Nutr.,
Pest.)
• Proximity To Receiving Water Body
• Nitrate Leaching Potential
Or
Potential Soil Loss Index
• Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of System
Conversion
20
Water Quantity – Water
Management
• Conversion To Non-Irrigated
• Increased Efficiency – Crop Rotation
• Increased Efficiency – Irrigation
System Conversion
• Cost Efficiency/Effectiveness of
System Conversion
21
EQIP Eligible Practices
• FOTG Standards
• Interim Standards
22
23
24
25
26
More Information….
• Local NRCS Office, USDA Service Center
• Local Conservation District
• World Wide Web at:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/
27
The Natural Resources Conservation Service
provides leadership in a partnership effort
to help people conserve, maintain, and improve
our natural resources and environment.
28
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits
discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis
of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family
status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for
communication of program information (Braille, large print,
audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at
(202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA,
Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC
20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA
is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
29