Number: RS22040
Title: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Status and Issues
Authors: Carol Canada and Jeffrey A. Zinn, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides farmers with financial and technical assistance to plan and implement soil and water conservation practices. EQIP was enacted in 1996 and amended by Section 2301 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171). It is a mandatory spending program (i.e., not subject to annual appropriations and funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)) and is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). EQIP is the largest conservation financial assistance program. Funding is currently authorized to grow to $1.3 billion in FY2010. Major issues that Congress might address in the next farm bill include (1) adequate funding; (2) program accomplishments, and (3) carving out EQIP funds to address specific topics or needs in specified locations.
Pages: 6
Date: May 9, 2007