Statewide EQIP Program Initiatives and Funding Information

Statewide EQIP Program Priorities

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist is responsible for development of the EQIP program, including but not limited to allocation of funds to address priority national, statewide and local natural resource concerns. The California State Conservationist has used input from the State Technical Advisory Committee, Local Work Groups and agency staff recommendations to focus EQIP program benefits to several statewide initiatives. The following program descriptions provide information about each initiative, practices which will be funded and information about evaluation and ranking of applications. In addition, the following statewide initiatives, information about local EQIP programs can be found at the California County EQIP Application Information site.

Note:  Information about some statewide EQIP program priorities will be available soon.

Special 2007 Southern California Fire Impact Initiative

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Special 2007 Fire Impact Initiative EQIP Program Description  (PDF; 760 KB)

California Statewide Animal Water Quality Initiative

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AFO EQIP Program Description (PDF; 121 KB)
AFO General Manure Management Procedures (PDF; 47 KB)
AFO Valley Counties - So. California Technical Guidance (PDF; 38 KB)
AFO North Coast Technical Guidance (PDF; 59 KB)

California Wildlife Habitat Initiative

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CA Wildlife Habitat Program Description (PDF; 177 KB)

California Air Quality Initiative

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Air Quality Initiative EQIP Program Description (PDF; 264 KB)
Air Quality Engine Replacement Program Sign-Up Document (PDF; 211 KB)
Air Quality Chipping Fact Sheet (PDF; 381 KB)
Air Quality Conservation Tillage Fact Sheet (PDF; 114 KB)
Air Quality Engine Fact Sheet (PDF; 123 KB)
Air Quality Manure Injection Fact Sheet (PDF; 71 KB)
Air Quality Precision Pest Control Fact Sheet (PDF; 105 KB)
Air Quality Road Dust Fact Sheet (PDF; 131 KB)
Air Quality Treated Stake Fact Sheet (PDF; 271 KB)
Air Quality Windbreak Fact Sheet (PDF; 1266 KB)

California Screening and Ranking Process - California Approved Practices

Each eligible EQIP applicant must create a Conservation Plan that supports the development of a proposed EQIP program contract. Producers who have a complete and certified Conservation Plan at the time of program application will be assigned a higher priority status and potential for program benefits. The development of a conservation plan or EQIP contract does not constitute agreement to provide EQIP program benefits nor approval to receive funds. Final contract approval and awarding of funds is based on evaluation and ranking of the proposed EQIP contract at the local NRCS office level. Each EQIP application is first evaluated using the following "Screening Worksheets" to determine basic eligibility and priority status. If the screening process does not defer the application, then the contract is evaluated using additional Statewide and Local Ranking Criteria. Ranking is assigned to proposals that will provide the most environmental benefit. If funds are available, contracts with the highest environmental score are approved and awarded funds.

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California Regular EQIP Program Description - Screening and Ranking Criteria (PDF; 162 KB)
California General EQIP Implementation Schedule (PDF; 28 KB)
California Approved FY 2008 Payment Schedule (PDF; 341 KB)
Pest Management (595) Reduced Risk Level 1 - Cost Share (PDF; 17 KB)
Pest Management (595) Reduced Risk Level 2 - Cost Share (PDF; 20 KB)
Pest Management (595) Use of UCIPM Year Round Program Level 1 - Cost Share (PDF; 17 KB)
Pest Management (595) Use of UCIPM Year Round Program Level 2 - Cost Share (PDF; 19 KB)
Pest Management (595) Transition to Organic Certification - Cost Share (PDF; 14 KB)
Nutrient Management (590) Plan for Commercial or Organic Nutrients - Cost Share (PDF; 45 KB)
Nutrient Management (590) Annual Tissue Tests NMP for Tree and Vine Crops - Cost Share (PDF; 37 KB)

EQIP Funding Allocations in California

EQIP program allocations to counties are based upon a formula that incorporates factors for type and degree of natural resource concerns, demographic data and capacity to deliver program services. Funding provided to counties may be further targeted by local work groups to specific resource concerns or watershed areas. Depending upon the number of applications received and other program management decisions, allocations to specific counties may be adjusted throughout the fiscal year. The initial allocation to programs and counties is based upon the formula and results in percentage distributions. The fiscal year 2007 fund allocation percentages can be found as follows:

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EQIP Program Fund Formula Allocation Percentages - County & Program (PDF; 38 KB)

For fiscal year 2008, NRCS will be using a Practice Payment Schedule available above. The payment schedule provides the amount of reimbursement the agency will provide program participants for completion of each conservation practice installed according to the contract schedule and approved conservation plan. The payments provided generally represent the amount of funding equal to 50% of the actual average cost of installation. Additional information regarding the practice payment schedule can be obtained from your local NRCS office. EQIP applications submitted by qualified Limited Resource Farmers (LRF) may be provided additional increased payments 40% (Total 90%) above the standard payment schedule for each eligible practice. EQIP applications submitted by qualified Beginning Farmers (BF) may be provided additional increased payments 25% (Total 75%) above the standard payment schedule for each eligible practice. EQIP applications submitted by eligible Tribes or Tribal Members may be provided additional increased payments 25% (Total 75%) above the standard payment schedule for each eligible practice. Information regarding eligibility for Limited Resource Farmers and Beginning Farmers may be obtained at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/SLB_Farmer/.

Initial Allocation as approved by State/Deputy State Conservationist:

Note: The allocations listed above represent an initial distribution of funds to programs, initiatives and counties. As contracts are finalized, approved and ranking reports are submitted with final contract obligations, the State Conservationist will make adjustments to meet specific needs. The final distribution of available funds will be different from the initial allocation listed above.

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