A program that will give local agricultural producers money for
installing high-quality conservation practices to meet local, state
and federal regulations is in full swing in San Benito County.
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a
voluntary, cost-sharing program through the United States
Department of Agriculture that helps farmers and ranchers to
institute structural and/or managerial practices to create better
conservation techniques on eligible land.
A program that will give local agricultural producers money for installing high-quality conservation practices to meet local, state and federal regulations is in full swing in San Benito County.
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary, cost-sharing program through the United States Department of Agriculture that helps farmers and ranchers to institute structural and/or managerial practices to create better conservation techniques on eligible land.
The money allotted is federal money from the Farm Bill, signed by President Bush in 2002, said conservationist John Warner.
“It took a year for the money to kick in and with it a lot more money for San Benito County,” Warner said. “It’s good news for farmers and ranchers. If they put in a fence that costs $4 a linear foot, we pay $2 of it.”
Agricultural producers who wish to be part of the program must apply by Jan. 30, 2004, which is three months earlier than in previous years.
The date was moved up because it will give the field staff more time to engineer better conservation proposals, Warner said.
“As soon as the money’s available, people want to start working,” he said, “and by pushing the date up it gives a little more time to design good plans for the different projects.”
In 2003, almost $300,000 was allocated for San Benito County agricultural producers. They estimate $325,000 for the 2004 season, Warner said.
Last year 23 people applied and all of them were funded because there was enough money to subsidize them, Warner said.
“We fund everyone until we run out of money,” he said. “Last year 23 contracts added up to 23,400 acres that had good conservation put on the ground because of this program.”
Applicants are evaluated, and the highest priority is given to those that use cost-effective conservation practices, treat multiple resource concerns and provide the most environmental benefits, according to the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
So far this year, about 10 people have applied, but ideally they would like to at least double last year’s numbers so that they have between 40 or 50 applicants, Warner said.
“We want to get as many as possible,” he said. “The more the merrier, because then we can pick the best projects for funding.”
Through the program, farmers and ranchers can receive financial and technical assistance for conservation practices such as water system developments and improvements, stream bank restoration and cover crops, just to name a few.
One thing the program can help with is upgrading old or faulty systems, such as irrigation systems, Warner said.
“People may not know that the USDA can help to modernize these systems to be more efficient,” he said.
Producers who have conservation setups on their land can greatly benefit from this funding, Warner said.
“If they have good projects that fit this program, it makes a lot of sense,” he said.
Agricultural landowners who are interested may apply at the local NRCS service center, located in the USDA Service Center, 2337 Technology Parkway, Suite A in Hollister, or may call for more information at (831) 637-4360.
