Conservation funds available for Nevada ag producers

CARSON CITY–The deadline for Nevada’s agricultural producers to apply for grants to help them increase efficiency and apply conservation practices is Nov. 19. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is encouraging producers to apply to the programs, offered through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) or Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program.
EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to producers to implement projects that help to conserve natural resources or provide some environmental benefit. Qualified programs can involve erosion control, air or water quality, soil health, wildlife habitat improvements or drought mitigation measures.
AMA funding can also be used to take conservation measures. Funds have been used to construct irrigation structures and high tunnels, or plant trees, all of which can improve watershed management efforts and erosion controls.
In Fallon, Lattin Farms has successfully used both EQIP and AMA funds to improve their operations. The addition of high tunnels, or hoop houses, have been especially helpful, farmer Rick Lattin said. (High tunnels are similar to long greenhouses, but without the environmental controls.)
“We had been experimenting with high tunnels for some time and found that they extended our season, increased our yields, and let us sell crops that don’t do well outside due to our weather situations,” said Rick Lattin.
Mustapha Abouali, Nevada NRCS assistant state conservationist for programs, said the Lattins are a great example of how EQIP and AMA funds can benefit producers.
“The Lattins of Lattin Farms in Fallon are a great example. They have had a relationship with NRCS for decades, and by working together, they have improved their irrigation efficiency through EQIP and installed several high tunnels through AMA.”
Applicants to either program must meet certain eligibility requirements. Applications for this round of funding are due by 4 p.m. Nov. 19, 2021.
To view Nevada payment schedules, visit: https://bit.ly/2K4PkRt. To learn more about EQIP, visit: https://bit.ly/3BSVTfP and to learn more about AMA, visit: https://bit.ly/2Xs5c7I.
Source: NRCS