Idaho Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is sponsored by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Idaho. Offers financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and landowners in Idaho for implementing conservation practices that enhance natural resources, including soil, water, and air quality.

# Environmental Quality Incentives Program - Idaho | Natural Resources Conservation Service A **. gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. # Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Conserving our natural resources is a vital part of creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems on our nation’s lands.

View All Conservation Basics * Invasive Species and Pests Featured ### Soil Science NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. For 90 years, we’ve helped America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners conserve our nation’s resources through our voluntary programs and science-based solutions.

View All Getting Assistance * Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. * Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers. gov).

* Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. * Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS.

* Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. * Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. * How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance.

* Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. * Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year.

Compliance and Cultural Resources * Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. * Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. * Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act.

* Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. * Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. * Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations.

* Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. * Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. * Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.

gov). * Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. * Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS.

* Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. * Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. * How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance.

* Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. * Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. * Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions.

* Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. * Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. * Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike.

* Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. * Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. * Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation.

Featured ### Conservation Technical Assistance **Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA)**provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future. Explore State-specific resources, updates, and contact information to support your conservation efforts.

View All State Offices * State Offices Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources. * State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill.

* Contact Your State Office Find contact information for your state office location and employees. Our natural resource conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters.

View All Programs & Initiatives * Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. * Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. * Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies.

* Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. * Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. * Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices.

* Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. * Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality.

* Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. * Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. * Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands.

* Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. * Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches.

* Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. * Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. * Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns.

* Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. * Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities.

* Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. * Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land.

* High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. * On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan.

* Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. * Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners.

* Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. * Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. * Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies.

* Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. * Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. * Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices.

* Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. * Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality.

* Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. * Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. * Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands.

* Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. * Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches.

* Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. * Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. * Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns.

* Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. * Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities.

* Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. * Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land.

* High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. * On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan.

* Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. * Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners.

Featured ### Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. The technical resources and references NRCS provides uses science-based technology to aid conservation planning and benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals for productive lands and healthy ecosystems.

View All Resources * Field Office Technical Guides * Conservation Practice Standards * How to Get a DUNS Number * National Soil Survey Handbook * Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions * Soil Texture Calculator * Official Soil Series Descriptions * SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata * Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials * Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials * Field Office Technical Guides * Conservation Practice Standards * How to Get a DUNS Number * National Soil Survey Handbook * Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions * Soil Texture Calculator * Official Soil Series Descriptions * SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata * Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports * Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Featured ### Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance Conserving our natural resources is a vital part of creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems on our nation’s lands.

View All Conservation Basics * Invasive Species and Pests Featured ### Soil Science NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. For 90 years, we’ve helped America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners conserve our nation’s resources through our voluntary programs and science-based solutions.

View All Getting Assistance * Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. * Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers. gov).

* Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. * Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS.

* Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. * Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. * How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance.

* Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. * Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year.

Compliance and Cultural Resources * Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. * Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. * Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act.

* Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. * Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. * Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations.

* Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. * Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. * Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.

gov). * Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. * Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS.

* Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. * Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. * How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance.

* Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. * Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. * Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions.

* Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. * Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. * Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike.

* Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. * Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. * Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation.

Featured ### Conservation Technical Assistance **Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA)**provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future. Explore State-specific resources, updates, and contact information to support your conservation efforts.

View All State Offices * State Offices Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources. * State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill.

* Contact Your State Office Find contact information for your state office location and employees. Our natural resource conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters.

View All Programs & Initiatives * Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. * Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. * Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies.

* Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. * Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. * Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices.

* Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. * Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality.

* Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. * Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. * Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands.

* Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. * Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches.

* Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. * Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. * Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns.

* Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. * Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities.

* Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. * Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land.

* High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. * On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan.

* Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. * Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners.

* Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. * Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. * Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies.

* Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. * Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. * Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices.

* Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. * Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality.

* Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. * Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. * Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands.

* Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. * Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches.

* Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. * Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. * Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns.

* Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. * Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities.

* Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. * Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land.

* High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. * On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan.

* Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. * Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners.

Featured ### Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. The technical resources and references NRCS provides uses science-based technology to aid conservation planning and benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals for productive lands and healthy ecosystems.

View All Resources * Field Office Technical Guides * Conservation Practice Standards * How to Get a DUNS Number * National Soil Survey Handbook * Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions * Soil Texture Calculator * Official Soil Series Descriptions * SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata * Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials * Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials * Field Office Technical Guides * Conservation Practice Standards * How to Get a DUNS Number * National Soil Survey Handbook * Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions * Soil Texture Calculator * Official Soil Series Descriptions * SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata * Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports * Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Featured ### Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance # Environmental Quality Incentives Program - Idaho 2.

Programs & Initiatives 3. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) 5. Environmental Quality Incentives Program - Idaho The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers to address natural resource concerns.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers through contracts.

These contracts provide financial assistance to help implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns and for opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. The application process is a continuous process.

Those who are interested should work with their local NRCS office to identify and plan the conservation measures needed to address the resource concern identified on their land. When applying for EQIP, schedule a meeting with NRCS to discuss your options before moving forward.

Local NRCS conservationists will help you develop a conservation plan, identify conservation measures and pursue funding through one of the EQIP fund pool options available in Idaho. Those who have previously developed a conservation plan with NRCS could already have the conservation planning step completed.

Eligible applicants may apply for EQIP by completing the CCC-1200 EQIP application form (see below)and all other eligibility forms can be obtained at the localUSDA Service Center Locator. For more information about EQIP, how to apply and program eligibility requirements, interested applicants should contact aNRCS field officein the county which you own land or where you have an agricultural operation.

**Click****here****for Resource Concerns** ### Accepting Applications Applicants are responsible for completing and filing all application and eligibility paperwork as required. If funded, participants are required to sign a contract and agree to implement the planned conservation practices to NRCS standards and specifications as scheduled.

Starting a conservation practice prior to written contract approval will result in the ineligibility of that practice for EQIP assistance unless a waiver has been approved (see CPM 440, Part 530. 23). Applications are accepted, from all eligible agricultural producers or non-industrial private forest landowners, on a continuous basis throughout the year.

Applications for assistance for fiscal year 2026 must be submitted by**January 15, 2026**to be eligible to receive an award assistance in 2026 for general EQIP funding. EQIP is open to all eligible agricultural producers without discrimination or bias. Agricultural producers, subsistence landowners, non-industrial private forestland and Indian tribes, and water management entities are eligible to apply for EQIP.

Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, non-industrial private forestland and other farm or ranch lands. Socially disadvantaged, beginning and limited resource farmers, Indian tribes, and veterans are eligible for an increased payment rate and may receive advance payment of up to 50 percent to purchase materials and services needed to implement conservation practices included in their EQIP contract.

### Important Information Regarding FSA Eligibility **FSA offices can be found by visiting the USDA****Service Center Locator****to find the NRCS and FSA representatives for your county. ** Although applications are accepted on a year-round basis, eligible producers and entities interested in EQIP must meet the following eligibility requirements by **February 27, 2026** to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2026.

* Attain all necessary FSA eligibility determinations (AD-1026, AGI, FTE, 902), and * Submit their CCC-1200 EQIP application to their local NRCS office * Control or own eligible land * Comply with adjusted gross income limitation (AGI) provisions * Be in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements * Have an identifiable Resource Concern on the offered land unit(s) * Work with NRCS to develop an NRCS EQIP plan of operations to improve the identified Resource Concern(s) ### Program Payments and Payment Rates State Payment Rates will be posted to the national website once available: https://www.

nrcs. usda. gov/getting-assistance/payment-schedules * **General EQIP Incentives**-Provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers through contracts to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns and for opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland.

* **Working Lands for Wildlife-Sage Grouse Initiative** -Focuses on making measurable and significant progress toward treating a specific threat to sage-grouse on private lands through strategic use of conservation programs. * **Working Lands for Wildlife-Idaho Migratory Big Game Initiative -**Focuses on maintaining and improving landscape diversity for various seasonal habitats as required by migratory big game animals.

* **National Water Quality Initiative** -Provide technical and financial assistance and planning tools to help farmers and ranchers determine which conservation actions will provide the best results to improve water quality on their land. Funding is limited to watersheds with approved implementation plans.

* **WaterSMART**-Provides financial and technical assistance to eligible applicants who are in a priority area identified with an approved proposal. Proposals are solicited once per year for eligible project areas and may be awarded funding for up to 5 years. For proposals to be considered eligible there must be a nexus to a Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART project funded within the last 10 years.

* The proposal period closed on April 11 for WaterSMART priority areas to be considered for Fiscal Year 2026 funding. Proposals should be a collaborative submission between the sponsoring entity and the local field office. Field offices must submit the proposal to the Boise State office by the deadline.

* **Regenerative Pilot Program**- provides producers with whole farm conservation planning which offers regenerative agriculture practices. It also includes soil health testing in the first and last year of the contract to establish baseline conditions and record resulting changes. For more information, please visit https://www.

nrcs. usda. gov/programs-initiatives/regenerative-pilot-program.

* **Beginning Farmer or Rancher** -Provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers who meet the Beginning Farmer or Rancher criteria through contracts to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns and for opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland.

This includes both Irrigated and Non-irrigated land. * **Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher** -Provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers who meet the Socially Disadvantaged