Natural Resources
Conservation Service
230 N. 1st Avenue Suite 509
Phoenix, AZ, 85003
Voice 602-280-8780
Email: Valentino.Reyes@az.usda.gov
Web: http://www.az.nrcs.usda.gov
Contact:
Valentino Reyes, (602) 280-8780
Valentino.Reyes@az.usda.gov

Arizona NRCS Welcomes Applications From Arizona Farmers and Ranchers Applications for NRCS’s EQIP and WHIP 2014 financial assistance due – Jan. 17

The Arizona Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps farmers and ranchers with a broad spectrum of natural resource enhancements. These include increasing irrigation efficiency, nutrient management, grazing land management, wildlife habitat, forest management and many more. Arizona NRCS cares about conservation and is here to help agricultural producers conserve the resources and the lifestyle they love for future generations.

Applicants interested in potential 2014 funding for NRCS’s
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Initiative must have their applications submitted by January 17, 2014 for the first funding cycle. If funds are still available, applicants have a second opportunity to submit applications, with a deadline of April 18, 2014. There are two application cycles for 2014 financial assistance; however applications are accepted throughout the entire year.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats to soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, private non-industrial forestland, and other farm or ranch lands.

Additionally, NRCS offers special initiatives through EQIP, including:

• On-Farm Energy Initiative: assists producers conserve energy on their operations

• Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative: assists producers to install high tunnels designed to extend the growing season

• Organic Initiative: assists producers to implement conservation practices on certified organic operations or those working towards organic certification

• Air Quality Initiative: assists producers to address air quality concerns on the operations (location requirements apply)

The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) is a voluntary program focused on the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher for protection and restoration of breeding habitat and combatting habitat losses. Through WHIP-WLFW, the NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to eligible private and Tribal land users for the development of upland, wetland, aquatic, and other types of wildlife habitat.

NRCS encourages land users to visit their local NRCS field office and to visit http://www.az.nrcs.usda.gov/ today to learn more about NRCS financial assistance programs.