The Minnesota USDA NRCS office is accepting applications from farmers who seek funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

EQIP provides financial assistance for conservation-minded farmers who seek to improve water and air quality, build healthier soil, improve grazing and forest lands, and conserve energy.

Funds help pay for variety of conservation activities, such as drainage water management, reduced tillage, field buffers and rotational grazing systems.

The deadline for the next signup period is December 20.

Additional signup deadlines include: January 17, 2014; February 21, 2014 and March 21, 2014.

Minnesota NRCS Accepting EQIP Applications

"The Environmental Quality Incentives Program offers farmers, ranchers and forestland managers a variety of options to conserve natural resources," said Don Baloun, State Conservationist. "This conservation investment helps improve environmental health and the economy of Minnesota's communities."

Additionally, NRCS offers special initiatives through EQIP, including:

-On-Farm Energy Initiative which helps producers conserve energy on their operations.

-Organic Initiative which helps producers to install conservation practices on certified organic operations or those working toward organic certification.

To participate in EQIP, an applicant must be an individual, entity or joint operation that meets EQIP eligibility criteria. Applicants can sign up at their local NRCS service center.

For more information about EQIP or other technical or financial assistance programs offered by NRCS, please contact your local NRCS center.