EQIP Overview
EQIP is a USDA cost-share program that enables producers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices on their farms. It’s a national program that’s administered at the state level. Over one billion dollars are devoted to the program annually, with the average farmer or rancher netting $30,000 from an annual EQIP contract.
EQIP stands for “Environmental Quality Incentives Program” and is offered through the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).
If you're a farmer or rancher looking for funding related to a farm conservation, soil health, water quality, or air quality initiative, EQIP might be right for you! One thing to note – you need to have a project in mind that addresses a natural resource concern (something related to soil, water, air quality, or animal health/husbandry) to be competitive for EQIP. We break down seven of the key considerations for EQIP in this article.
Is EQIP money taxable?
EQIP contracts are structured as cost-share, where the NRCS will reimburse participating producers for 75% of the implemented practice cost. Beginning and underserved producers may receive up to 90% cost-share, rather than the standard 75% rate.
EQIP dollars are taxable as income, so keep that in mind!
Click here to learn more about how to maximize your tax refund if you receive an EQIP grant.
How do I apply?
EQIP does require you to have an FSA Farm Number before applying. If you don't already have one set up, you can contact your local USDA office to pick up an application for both FSA Records and EQIP.
If you don’t want to go it alone, FarmRaise has streamlined the forms required for EQIP and FSA Farm Numbers (you can purchase just one, or both!) into a simple questionnaire that takes less than 20 minutes to complete. Our team then sends the completed forms back to you so you can sign, seal them, and deliver them to your local USDA office! You can apply, if you’re eligible, through the FarmRaise platform. Simply take our 2-minute eligibility quiz, set up your free account, and start applying today from the comfort of your home or office.
If you have additional questions you can always reach out to us at [email protected]