Additional Resources
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Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Another federal, though more restricted source of funds can be acquired through the Department of Agriculture’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). EQIP was initiated in 1997 and reauthorized in the 2002 Farm Bill as a voluntary assistance program that seeks to promote agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals, optimize environmental benefits, and help farmers and ranchers meet Federal, state, tribal, and local environmental requirements.
Program priorities include a range of environmental challenges such as threats to soil, water and air. The program allows farmers and ranchers to obtain up to 75 percent of the cost of conservation efforts, with some exceptions allowing up to 90 percent. Funds are available in every state and are administered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and can be obtained at local USDA Service Centers. More information about the program is available at: www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip.
National priorities are used by NRCS to allocate available EQIP funds to State Conservationists. The State Conservationist, with advice from the State Technical Committee, decides how funds will be allocated and what practices will be offered. In California, the NRCS has established a diesel engine replacement program which will provide up to 50% of the actual cost of new diesel engines used for pumping irrigation water. $724,000 was obligated to the program in 2004, followed by $467,000 in 2005 and $486,000 in 2006. Counties eligible for the EQIP Diesel Engine Replacement Initiative are defined as severe or extreme non-attainment areas for ozone by EPA. While California is the only state with this specific diesel engine replacement program targeting air quality concerns, other states may be willing to consider similar projects. Additional information about California’s Diesel Engine Replacement program is available at www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/airquality.html
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