Sign-up Deadline Approaching for Conservation Funding

MORGANTOWN, WV, October 22, 2007 —The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently taking applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Any eligible landowner in West Virginia may apply at local USDA Service Centers. Even though the sign-up for these programs is continuous, there is a ranking cut-off date. Farmers and landowners in West Virginia have until November 16, 2007 to submit applications to be considered for this ranking period.

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program assists producers to meet local, state and federal regulations and to conserve natural resources. Funds help farmers install conservation practices—reducing soil erosion, improving water use efficiencies, and protecting grazing land.

WV NRCS is offering five EQIP special initiatives:

• Integrated Pest Management
  Applicants must be a commercial orchard producing apples and/or peaches.
• Roofing of New Livestock Feeding Facilities in Existing Contracts
  Applicants must have an existing AMA or EQIP contract obligated prior to 2006.
• Limited Resource Producer
  Applicants must meet the qualifications for a Limited Resource Producer.
• Emergency Livestock Water
  Applicants have a demonstrated need for additional water.
• Woodland Management and Improvement (Pilot)
  Applications are limited to Braxton and Clay Counties.

“All of our conservation initiatives are driven by the high-priority resource issues affecting West Virginia’s agricultural landscape,” said Kevin Wickey, West Virginia State Conservationist. “For example, EQIP is available to help limited resource and beginning farmers who have unique circumstances and natural resource concerns that need to be addressed on their land.”

For more information on EQIP and the special initiatives please contact your local USDA Service Center, listed in the telephone book under U.S. Department of Agriculture, or your local conservation district. Information also is available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov/.

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