News Release Regarding Batching Dates for NRCS Programs

 Contact: Fay Garner, Public Affairs Specialist, 334-887-4506

or John Curtis, Resource Conservationist, 334-887-4539

Signup Batching Periods Announced for Conservation Programs

Auburn, Ala., September 10, 2013 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett announced that October 18, 2013, is the signup batching date for producers for 2014 funding for the following conservation programs:

·                     Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

·                     Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) which includes the Agricultural

           Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), organic farming, and high tunnels

·                     Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), including Longleaf Pine and

           Gopher Tortoise Initiative

·                     Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) 

·                     Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)

There will also be a second batching on February 28, 2014, for the following conservation programs:

·                     Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) 

·                     Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis; however, selecting applications for funding is completed periodically through batching periods with specific cutoff dates.

In the CSP, EQIP and WHIP programs, eligible producers may receive a payment based on the statewide average cost of the installation of the conservation practice. 

Socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers are eligible for a higher payment based on the statewide average cost of the installation of the conservation practice. In addition, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers can receive up to 30 percent advanced payment for purchasing materials or contracting. 

GRP and WRP are conservation easement programs where landowners receive payments for developing and protecting wetlands and grazing lands.

Interested producers should visit their nearest USDA Service Center to determine eligibility. NRCS field offices are listed in the telephone directory under U.S. Department of Agriculture or on-line at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov. General program information is available on the Alabama NRCS website at www.al.nrcs.usda.gov. Individuals are not eligible until they have completed the Farm Bill eligibility requirements. 

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