CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Jan. 23, 2025 —Illinois agricultural and forestry producers who want to address or improve natural resources are encouraged to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program or EQIP. Tammy Willis, Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist, announces that Feb. 28, 2025, will be the EQIP application deadline. “Producers can sign-up for EQIP at any time throughout the year, but to compete for the upcoming funding period, I encourage producers with resource concerns to submit an application by the deadline,” said Willis.

With EQIP, producers have successfully addressed natural resource issues on their farms. Some EQIP activities include installing structures to address gully erosion, improving pastureland diversity by interseeding and improving soil health by increasing organic matter with cover crops. In addition to conservation practices, EQIP funds the development of conservation plans. Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan and Forest Management Plan are two of many plans available.

Producers interested in EQIP should submit a signed application (NRCS-CPA-1200 form) to the local NRCS field office or through Farmers.gov using their account. Producers wishing to use Farmers.gov, can sign in or create an account by clicking on “Sign up” in the upper right of the website.

EQIP applications submitted by Feb. 28, 2025, will be evaluated by local NRCS field office staff. The NRCS staff will work with an applicant to assess the land and resource concerns, answer ranking questions, and determine program eligibility. If an application is ranked high enough to be funded, the NRCS staff will work with the applicant to develop a contract.

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program available for agricultural and forestry producers. Through EQIP, NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to install conservation practices. For more information contact the local NRCS field office or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/il.