NRCS EQIP GRANT is a federal grant which provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers. The goal of the grant is to assist producers to extend the growing season for high value crops in an environmental safe manner.

The initiative may assist producers in addressing a resource concern by:

• Improving plant quality
• Improving soil quality
• Reducing nutrient and pesticide transportation Low upfront cost with Rebate Financing (optional)
• Improving air quality through reduced transportation input
• Reducing energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce

Eligible applicants include individuals, legal entities, Indian Tribes, or joint operations engaged in agricultural productions. Organic producers who grow agricultural commodities on eligible land and have natural resource concerns which may be addressed by a seasonal high tunnel may participate in the Season High Tunnel Initiative. Eligible producers interested in entering into a financial assistance agreement with NRCS for EQIP assistance may file an application at any time. Applicants must be:

• An agricultural producer and have control of eligible land for the term of the proposed contract period: eligible land includes cropland
• In compliance with the provisions for protecting the interests of tenants and sharecroppers, including the provision for sharing EQIP payments on a fair and equitable basis
• In compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation compliance provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill
• Within appropriate payment limitation requirements, as specified in the 2008 Farm Bill
• In compliance with adjusted gross income requirements of the 2008 Farm Bill