Sep 27, 2013 1 min read

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications to help producers improve water and air quality, build healthier soil, improve grazing and forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations, and achieve other environmental benefits.

NRCS has financial assistance available to help Pennsylvania producers implement conservation practices through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the agency’s largest Farm Bill conservation program. Interested producers should visit their local NRCS service center for sign-up information.

“The Environmental Quality Incentives Program offers farmers and forestland managers a variety of options to conserve natural resources while boosting production on their lands,” State Conservationist Denise Coleman said.

“This $27 million conservation investment helps improve environmental health and the economy of Pennsylvania’s rural communities.”

EQIP provides financial assistance for a variety of conservation activities, such as nutrient management, reduced tillage, field buffers, rotational grazing systems and much more.

For more information about EQIP, to get an application, or learn more about other technical or financial assistance programs offered by NRCS, please call local service center 724-437-7971, extension 3, in Fayette and Greene counties or 724-222-3060, extension 3, in Washington County.