What is the Environmental Quality Incentive Program?
A. Under the 1996 Farm Bill, four federal conservation cost-share programs were combined into the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). EQIP is funded at $130 million in fiscal year 1996 and $200 million dollars thereafter. States must apply for funding based on environmental needs. EQIP is expected to target improvements in three areas: wildlife habitat; land conservation; and protection of rural water quality. EQIP has two associated programs: the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). Under EQIP, pork producers may be able to apply for specific funding allocated for operational improvements that benefit the environment. Examples might include: improving manure management systems; installing more efficient and manageable animal housing; and applying new technologies to increase aerobic decomposition of manure. Although still in its early stages of development, EQIP has the potential to greatly benefit both pork producers and their communi
