The US government provides a number of different incentives to encourage the use of environmentally friendly farming practices. As a general rule, in order to qualify, a practice should provide a benefit to (1) productivity and (2) environmental quality. ESN provides both in that it helps maximize crop yields and quality, while protecting the air and water from nitrogen (N) losses to the environment.
In March 2010, Bill Angstadt of the Delaware Maryland Agribusiness Association conducted a webinar through the CCA program, which outlined the options for government use incentives and N management. A recording of this webinar can be found here.
If you have specific questions on government use incentives, please fill out the form here
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Managed through NRCS at a state level, there is close to $1 billion dollars available to growers for environmental practices. ESN qualifies under the 590 management rules, which vary by state. Agrium Advanced Technologies is committed to working with all state NRCS officials to develop 590 management rules that promote the use of polymer coated N technology to protect from losses to the water and air.
To learn more about EQIP, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/PROGRAMS/EQIP/.
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
CSP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes on Tribal and private working lands. Working lands include cropland, grassland, prairie land, improved pasture, and range land, as well as forested land that is an incidental part of an agriculture operation. The program is available in all 50 States, the Caribbean Area and the Pacific Basin area. The program provides equitable access to benefits to all producers, regardless of size of operation, crops produced, or geographic location.
To learn more about CSP, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CSP/.
To download our brochure on ESN and CSP, click here.
Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI)
Through this new initiative, NRCS and its partners will help producers in selected watersheds in the Mississippi River Basin voluntarily implement conservation practices that avoid, control, and trap nutrient runoff; improve wildlife habitat; and maintain agricultural productivity. These improvements will be accomplished through a conservation systems approach to manage and optimize N and phosphorous within fields to minimize runoff and reduce downstream nutrient loading. NRCS will provide producers assistance with a system of practices that will control soil erosion, improve soil quality, and provide wildlife habitat while managing runoff and drainage water for improved water quality. To view the identified watersheds, click here.
To learn more about MRBI, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/PROGRAMS/mrbi/mrbi_overview.html.
Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI)
Under CCPI, NRCS enters into partnership agreements with eligible entities that want to enhance conservation on agricultural lands. After the approval of CCPI project areas, eligible farmers submit EQIP applications.
To learn more about CCPI, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/PROGRAMS/ccpi/.
Conservation Incentive Grants (CIG)
CIG stimulates the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection. CIG enables NRCS to work with other public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and adoption of promising technologies.
To learn more about CIG, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/cig/.