How to Apply for EQIP

Updated 02/09/2009

EQIP is a continuous sign-up program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that allows landowners or operators to apply for financial and technical assistance for specific conservation practices. Beginning in fiscal year 2009, Tennessee is using a screening tool to ensure that only those applicants who are “ready to implement” receive contracts to complete needed conservation practices.

The screening tool is required for all applications. It consists of three questions and the criteria for answering the questions. A “no” answer to even one of the questions will cause an application to be put in deferred status until all questions can be answered yes. Applications in deferred status will not be ranked or funded. Contact the USDA service center in the county where the land is located to apply for EQIP. Producers are advised to review eligibility requirements and update of farm records administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to make sure all records are current and correct before submitting an EQIP application. Producers who submit incomplete applications or whose farm records and certifications are not up to date may be deferred for current year program application. Specific application documents are listed on the Tennessee FY 2009 EQIP & WHIP Screening Tool.

Note: Confidential and private information: Many of the program application forms and/or documentation require the applicant to provide sensitive, contact, financial or other confidential information. Disclosure of this data is voluntary, but failure to provide the required information in a timely manner may result in the deferral of an application or denial of a benefit payment. By law and policy, confidential, private and sensitive information is protected by USDA and employees and agency partners are subject to penalty and disciplinary action for inappropriate or mismanagement of private data.

< Back to EQIP in Tennessee