The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has a grant program called EQIP. I first heard about this program through one of my college friends. She explained to me that her grandfather had received a federal grant to make improvements to his Kentucky farm, and now they say it looks the best it has looked in years! When I visited the farm, I agreed that it looks great and functions effectively.
The EQIP Grant
This grant is for all types of agricultural operations, including conventional & organic farms, specialty & commodity crops, forestry & wildlife, historically underserved farmers, and livestock operations. Two of the main goals of this grant program are conservation and affordability, both of which my friend’s grandfather was able to achieve. One of the most useful tools the EQIP grant program offers is one-on-one assistance with each individual landowner. A member of the NRCS works with the landowner to “develop a conservation plan that meets your goals and vision,” which is something that not every program is able to do. I want to emphasize that the NRCS wants to fulfill YOUR goals, not just their own.
My overall impression of this program was very good. Hearing about someone’s personal experience with it and knowing it went very well for that person increased my curiosity and approval of the program. I think that this grant sounds like a great option for landowners who already have land in agricultural production, but it can also be useful for people who are just starting out. There are so many options, and their one-on-one service seems to make the overall experience worthwhile.
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