Contact:
Molly Voeller

Saint Paul, Minn. – June 25, 2021 – Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in 13 select counties and federally recognized tribes can apply for conservation practices through the climate smart agricultural and forestry pilot of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). USDA−Natural Resources Conservation Service Minnesota State Conservationist, Troy Daniell, announced the deadline to apply is Friday, July 9, 2021. Applications are being taken at USDA Service Centers in Minnesota. This assistance will help agricultural producers plan and implement voluntary conservation practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change on working lands.

EQIP is the primary program available to farmers and landowners for farm, ranch, and woodland conservation work, usually offering more than 100 conservation practices. “In this pilot, a select group of conservation practices are available in order to support climate smart ag and forestry management systems,” said Daniell. Climate-smart conservation practices will be prioritized in this targeted EQIP for:
• Building soil health.
• Improving nitrogen management.
• Enhancing grazing and pasture management.
• Improving agroforestry, forestry and upland wildlife habitat.

The focus in this pilot will be Federally recognized Tribes throughout Minnesota and producers with land in the following counties: Norman, Mahnomen, East Polk. West Polk, Red Lake, Pennington, Redwood Falls, Brown, Renville, Cottonwood, Watonwan, Martin, and Jackson. Cropland activities will be the emphasis in the listed counties. 
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Landowners interested in applying for EQIP funding should contact their local NRCS office at the USDA Service Center their county. For more information, visit www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov.