Environmental Quality Incentives Program

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, and improved or created wildlife habitat.

EQIP provides payments up to 75 percent of the incurred costs and 100 percent of income foregone of certain conservation practices and activities. However, certain high priority practices and historically under-served producers (limited resource farmers/ranchers, beginning farmers/ranchers, socially disadvantaged producers, veteran farmers/ranchers) may receive up to 90 percent of the incurred costs and 100 percent of income foregone. Historically underserved producers are also eligible for advance payments of at least 50 percent of the cost needed to purchase materials or contracting services to begin installation of approved conservation practices. Farmers and ranchers may elect to use a certified Technical Service Provider (TSP) for technical assistance needed for certain eligible activities and services.