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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Application Period For Environmental Quality Incentives Program Ends February 16<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Farmers.gov sent this bulletin at 01/16/2024 11:46 AM EST</i><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAFARMERS/bulletins/3853ba9" target="_blank">View as a webpage / Share</a><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:black">News Release </span><o:p></o:p></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>For Immediate Release<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">January 16, 2024<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Contact<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brooke Decubellis<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:brooke.decubellis@usda.gov" target="_blank">Brooke.DeCubellis@usda.gov</a><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:black">Application Period For Environmental Quality Incentives Program Ends February 16</span><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">Ohio producers are urged to apply for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Inflation Reduction Act – Environmental Quality Incentives Program – (IRA-EQIP) funding before the February 16, 2024 deadline.
This year’s applicants can take advantage of the ACT NOW process, which immediately approves and obligates applications when the application meets or exceeds a state-determined minimum ranking score.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">EQIP and IRA-EQIP provide financial and technical resources to producers and landowners to improve their operations, commodity production and environmental benefits. <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">Historically
underserved producers</a> are eligible for advance payments for all EQIP practices. This option provides historically underserved producers with funding up-front, for at least 50% of the payment rate for each practice. Historically underserved producers include
producers who are beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, or limited resource.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black">NRCS accepts applications on a continuous basis. However, to be considered for fiscal year 2024 funding, applications must be received by February 16. Learn more about EQIP and other program information on the <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-environmental-quality-incentives/ohio/environmental-quality-incentives?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">Ohio
NRCS EQIP website</a>. To find out about other technical and financial assistance available through NRCS conservation programs, visit <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/get-started-with-nrcs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#:~:text=Get%20Started%20with%20NRCS%201%20Planning%20To%20get,eligible.%20...%204%20Ranking%20...%205%20Implementing">Get
Started with NRCS</a> or contact your local <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">USDA Service Center</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Share Bulletin<o:p></o:p></b></p>
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