First round of conservation assistance applications due Oct. 19

Delaware agricultural producers are encouraged to apply for technical and financial assistance to improve and enhance natural resources on their farm and forest land. Funding is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Agricultural Management Assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. The first application cutoff date for fiscal year 2019 is Friday, Oct. 19, for both EQIP and AMA.

Assistance is available through EQIP and AMA to help farmers plan and implement conservation practices to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land and nonindustrial private forest land. Popular practices include waste storage structures, heavy use area pads, energy, cover crops, irrigation water management, poultry windbreaks and more. 
 
NRCS conservationists will work with producers to develop a conservation plan on their land to identify concerns and opportunities, help determine objectives and recommend solutions. “Our high-quality comprehensive conservation plans can provide farmers with step-by-step recommendations they can use to improve their water quality, soil health and more -- all while reducing input costs,” said Kasey Taylor, Delaware NRCS state conservationist.
 
In FY 2018, Delaware approved a combined 187 EQIP and AMA contracts covering 36,853 acres for a total of $6.6 million.
 
NRCS accepts applications year-round but makes funding selections at application cut-off deadlines. Delaware producers with applications in before Oct. 19 will have a higher chance of application approval as funding is limited. Additional application cutoff dates are scheduled for the third Friday of each month until May 17.

To be eligible for program assistance, producers must have an eligible resource concern on their operation at the time of application. To apply for financial assistance in Sussex County, call 302-856-3990, Ext. 3. For more information, go to www.de.nrcs.usda.gov.