Program Overview
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program authorized under the Agricultural Improvement ACT of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) that helps producers install measures to protect soil, water, plant, wildlife, and other natural resources while ensuring sustainable production on their farms, ranches and working forest lands. In addition, a purpose of EQIP is to help producers meet Federal, State, Tribal and local environmental regulations.
Payments are made to participants after conservation practices and activities identified in an EQIP plan of operations are implemented. Contracts can last up to ten years in duration. Each EQIP contract with a person or legal entity will be limited to $450,000 over the term of the contract. Payments received for technical assistance are excluded from this limitation.
The State Conservationist, with advice from the State Technical Committee and local working groups, allocates funds to various EQIP fund accounts and develops a ranking process to addresses National, State and Local priority natural resource concerns in a cost-effective manner.
Financial Assistance
Those who submit an application and are accepted into EQIP may receive payments to offset costs associated with materials and installation of conservation practices. Practices funded through EQIP may include such measures as: manure management practices, pest management treatments, irrigation systems improvements, forest stewardship plans and management practices, erosion control and buffers, range and pasture planting, brush management, fencing, watering facilities, and a wide range of other practices.
FY 2021 Application Deadline
EQIP applications are accepted at any time of the year. Applications received by the application deadline are evaluated for funding if the applicants have completed the eligibility requirements.
The first application deadline for FY 2021 funding consideration is January 8, 2021.
This application deadline applies to the following National Initiatives:
- StrikeForce, Working Lands for Wildlife Lesser Prairie Chicken Initiative, Working Lands for Wildlife Southwestern Flycatcher Initiative, Drought, National Water Quality, Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration, Organic, Conservation Activity Plans and the OnFarm Energy
Contact New Mexico Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Listed as:
USDA - NRCS Programs
Contact New Mexico Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Kenneth J. Branch
Assistant State Conservationist for Programs
6200 Jefferson NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: (505) 761-4454
Fax: (855) 538-6003
Service Area
Statewide service provider in: