Oct 22, 2015
WASHINGTON, DC – Rice farmers in Louisiana and Missouri have less than one month to submit applications for the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This EQIP sign-up period, specifically designated for farmers who regularly grow rice, is part of the USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project. Applications should be submitted to local NRCS field offices no later than November 20, 2015.
Special EQIP funding is available in the following Missouri counties: Bollinger, Butler, Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Scott, and Stoddard.
In Louisiana, funding is available in the following parishes: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Evangeline, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Madison, Morehouse, Rapides, Richland, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion, and West Carroll.
“The main goal is to provide winter wetland habitat, while also considering groundwater demand from aquifers in rice production areas to ensure sustainability of that water source for future rice production,” DU Director of Conservation Innovation Scott Manley said.
USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward added, “EQIP sign-ups in Arkansas and Mississippi ended last week and we were pleased to hear the number of applications was through the roof. We will be announcing the applications that will receive funding in the next few months.”
The EQIP sign-up period in California and Texas will be announced later this year.