Basic Eligibility Rules
Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who own or rent agricultural land are eligible. Must also abide by highly erodible lands (HEL) and wetlands compliance provisions.
Available funding for FY26 (national total)
$2,655,000,000 (farm bill budget authority)
Land tenure and property right rules
To determine eligibility, the following documents or information will be needed:
An official tax ID (Social Security number or an employer ID)
A property deed or lease agreement to show you have control of the property; and
A farm number (assigned by USDA’s Farm Service Agency)
Practices covered
200 unique practices listed in NRCS National Handbook of Conservation Practices (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/conservation-practice-standards). Available practices vary by state.
Cost share requirements
NRCS covers 90% of the cost of implementing practices for socially disadvantaged, limited resource, veteran, or beginning farmer
Other cost information
Historically Underserved producers are eligible to request advance payment of 50 percent of anticipated financial assistance from NRCS under the contract. Must be expended within 90 days.
Individual funding caps or income restrictions
Average gross income must be less than $900,000 (does not apply to Indian tribes). No project can receive more than $450,000.
Other Restrictions or Requirements
Applications for EQIP financial assistance are accepted throughout the year. Specific state deadlines are set for ranking and funding.
length of contracts
typically 1-3 years, but no more than 10 years
program established
program established in 1985 (Food Security Act (1985 farm bill))
share of proposals funded over time
30 percent of proposals were funded nationally in FY2021