NRCS Farm Bill Programs
The new Farm Bill attempts to simplify existing programs and create new programs to address high priority environmental goals. Summaries of changes to Farm Bill programs such as EQIP and WHIP can be viewed at the NRCS 2008 Farm Bill Conservation Programs page or by following the links below under individual program headings. For legislative updates and news on the new Farm Bill, visit USDA 2007 Farm Bill information Web site.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary USDA conservation program for farmers and ranchers to treat natural resource concerns with technical and financial assistance. EQIP provides cost-share funding to promote agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals.
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Rangeland Management (cross-fencing, spring development, pipelines, tanks, troughs, prescribed grazing)
- Water Conservation (irrigation improvements)
- Wildlife Habitat improvement (pond restoration, habitat management)
- And Much More
Eligible farmers and ranchers may apply for EQIP program benefits during open application periods. Application ranking periods are established to allow evaluation of projects and awarding of contracts based upon an environmental score for each application that achieves the natural resource benefits identified by local, state and national priorities.
To find the dates of the next application period, please check the National or State EQIP websites below, or call our EQIP manager, Morpheus Anima, at (925) 371-0154 ext 125.
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Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land. Through WHIP, NRCS provides both technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to landowners and others to develop upland, wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitat areas on their property. Landowners may enroll privately owned land, Federal land when the primary benefit is on private or Tribal land, State and local government land on a limited basis, and Tribal land. The program provides cost-share payments to landowners under agreements that are usually 5 to 10 years in duration, depending upon the types of practices to be installed.
Applications may be filed with NRCS at any time. Applications and additional information about the program can be found by following the links below.
If you would like additional information about WHIP for Alameda County, please contact Jackie Charbonneau at (925) 371-0154 ext. 114.
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Conservation Stewardship Program
 The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary program that encourages producers to address resource concerns by providing funding to support existing land stewardship as well as additional conservation activities. The program provides annual payments to support good land management. CSP provides opportunities to both recognize excellent stewards and deliver valuable new conservation.
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Grassland Reserve Program
 The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance grasslands on their property. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency and Forest Service are coordinating implementation of GRP, which helps landowners restore and protect grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands and provides assistance for rehabilitating grasslands.
The program emphasizes support for grazing operations, plant and animal biodiversity, and grassland and land containing shrubs and forbs under the greatest threat of conversion. The program offers several enrollment options: 30-year and permanent easements; 10-year, 15-year, 20-year, or 30-year rental agreements; and restoration agreements which may be used in conjunction with any easement or rental agreement.
Applications may be filed for an easement or rental agreement with NRCS or FSA at any time. Additional information about the program can be found by following the links below.
If you would like additional information about GRP for Alameda County, please contact Jackie Charbonneau at (925) 371-0154 ext. 114.
Additional Easement Programs:
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), a voluntary program that helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agricultural production. Information and application materials are available online at http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/frpp.html
Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), a program offering easements and restoration agreements for the purpose of restoring wetlands and associated uplands and riparian habitat on agricultural landscapes. Information and application materials are available online at http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp.html
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