2010 Cut-off for EQIP and WHIP Applications is February 19

Michigan farmers and landowners must submit their applications by February 19 to be considered for 2010 funding from two U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announced the cutoff date for selecting applications for its Environmental Quality Incentives Program and its Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. NRCS accepts applications for both programs year-round but only eligible applications submitted by February 19 will be ranked and considered for 2010 program funds.

The cut-off date does not apply to special EQIP initiatives introduced during 2009 including the organic initiative, the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program and the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative.

USDA Offering Financial Assistance for High Tunnels

NRCS has financial assistance available to landowners interested in constructing high tunnels to increase the availability of locally grown produce.

The assistance is available through a pilot program that utilizes financial assistance from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. High tunnels are made of ribs of plastic or metal pipe covered with a layer of plastic sheeting and are easy to build, maintain and move. High tunnels provide a protected environment for vegetables or other crops and are mainly used to increase temperature in early spring and fall for extended crop production.

USDA Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program Selection Date Announced

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking applications from farm land preservation organizations for its Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program.

The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program is administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and provides matching funds of up to 50 percent to organizations that preserve existing farm and pasture land by purchasing development rights. Eligible entities must submit their applications by Feb. 17, 2010 to receive consideration for funding in fiscal year 2010.