On November 29, the Natural Resource Conservation Service-PA announced it is now accepting applications from agricultural producers in targeted areas in central and southeastern Pennsylvania for funding to help improve water quality, enhance soil health, and protect agricultural viability through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

The deadline for applications is December 21

Created by the 2014 Farm Bill, RCPP connects partners with producers and private landowners to design and implement voluntary conservation solutions that benefit natural resources, agriculture, and the economy.

NRCS funding to producers and landowners is made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Awarded funds will be dedicated to installing conservation practices in selected areas to accomplish the agricultural and natural resource goals of the project.

In addition to USDA financial assistance funds, partners will expand upon conservation efforts of the NRCS by contributing funds and in-kind services such as outreach and technical assistance.

For FY 2019, funding for EQIP contracts is available through the following projects. Applications are being accepted continuously until the next cutoff--

-- Chester County Portion Of Chesapeake Bay Watershed: Planning and implementation of conservation practices, continued operation and maintenance of conservation practices; focus on water quality and riparian buffers.  Chester County Conservation District, CCCD Partnership for Chesapeake Bay Water Quality.

-- Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry, and York Counties: Planning and implementation of conservation practices, with a focus on livestock manure management practices. PA Department of Agriculture, Implementing Conservation Practices and Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans on Pennsylvania Preserved Farms.

-- Centre, Clinton, and Lycoming Counties: Planning and implementation of conservation practices that promote soil health. Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, Soil Health: Improving Land, Water and Profitability.

Applicants should contact their local USDA NRCS Service Center for additional information and application procedures.

For more information on programs, technical and financial assistance available, visit the Natural Resource Conservation Service-PA webpage.

NewsClips:

Crable: Study Looks At Moving Farming, Manure From Lancaster County To Western PA

Congress’s Lame-Duck Session: Farm Bill Other Critical Legislation

Northeast Cover Crop Conference Showcased Cover Crop Innovations

Related Stories:

Penn State Extension: Farm Soil Health & Cover Crop Workshops Coming Up

Inspections Find 96% Of Small Farms In PA Making Good Strides To Improve Water Quality In Chesapeake Bay Watershed

PA Sea Grant, Lake Erie Region Conservancy Receive DCNR Grants To Preserve 270 Acres Of Farmland

[Posted: Nov. 30, 2018]

12/3/2018