The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas announced new and additional fiscal year (FY) 2023 financial assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and landowners for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). One of the new opportunities is the Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative (MBRI), aimed at preserving, protecting, and improving habitat for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, neotropicals and other avian species in the Prairie Pothole Region and in key portions of the Pacific, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. The other new opportunity is the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) which provides funding to support producers transitioning to organic production by providing financial assistance and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that support organic production. The OTI supports USDA’s objective of developing diverse and equitable food systems while encouraging climate-smart agriculture by focusing funds on transition producers to organic production.

Additional sign up have also been announced for National Air Quality Initiative (NAQI).

While NRCS accepts applications for these programs year-round, producers and landowners should apply by state-specific, application cutoff dates to be considered for fiscal year’s funding. Texas application cutoff date for MBRI, OTI, and NAQI will be June 15, 2023.

NRCS offers technical assistance at no cost to give our customers personalized advice and information, based on the latest science and research, to help them make informed decisions. If a producer chooses to take the next step towards improving their operations, NRCS can work with them to develop a personalized conservation plan, with conservation practices that can help them reach their agricultural production and conservation goals.

The voluntary conservation plan defines and explains existing resources in a simple, easy to understand manner. Typically, the plan will include land use maps, soils information, inventory of resources, engineering notes, and other supporting information. One benefit to landowners who work with an NRCS professional conservationist to develop a plan is an increased potential for participating in financial assistance programs and is a good first step in the overall process.

Landowners can also choose to apply for financial assistance to get help installing the conservation practices outlined in their voluntary conservation plan through any one of the programs mentioned above. Through Farm Bill programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency, and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat the impacts of climate change.

Applying for Assistance
NRCS accepts applications for its conservation programs year-round. Applications for these initiatives will be accepted through June 15, 2023. Any applications received after June 15, 2023, will automatically be deferred to the next funding period, if applicable. Producers, landowners, and forest managers interested in applying for assistance should contact the NRCS at their local USDA Service Center.

Historically Underserved Producer Benefits
Special provisions are also available for historically underserved producers. For EQIP, historically underserved producers are eligible for advance payments to help offset costs related to purchasing materials or contracting services up front. In addition, historically underserved producers can receive higher EQIP payment rates (up to 90% of average cost).

Additional information is available on the Texas NRCS website at www.nrcs.usda.gov/Texas or by contacting your local USDA Service Center.