USDA will evaluate and consider proposals that identify specific hydrologic units with significant natural resource concerns and strong landowner and producer interest to improve environmental quality. A local work group should be convened for each CPA proposal. Work groups are encouraged to involve landowners, producers, private industry, non-profit organizations, and other appropriate federal, state and local agencies. About 75 percent of EQIP funds are used in Priority area watersheds and about 25 percent are used statewide. Priority Areas are Locally Led Watersheds with locally identified natural resource problems can become EQIP Priority Areas.
Local groups submit priority area proposals based on local interests and needs.
Local work groups identify the main natural resource concerns, create an environmental ranking system, determine financial assistance rates, and conduct workshops and other educational activities for producers and landowners. All EQIP activities must be carried out according to a conservation plan. Plans include conservation systems to address the major natural resource concerns identified by each farmer and local work group. All plans are subject to NRCS technical standards adapted for local conditions and approved by the SWCD Board. Contracts Financial assistance for EQIP is available through 5 to 10-year contracts.