Conservation officials are encouraging eligible Delawareans to sign up for a federal program that helps fund on-farm conservation practices.

Eligible First State farmers and ranchers must sign up for technical and financial assistance through the federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) before the Oct. 31 deadline.

EQIP was reauthorized in the 2002 Farm Bill to provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers. The program promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. It provides financial assistance for practices aimed at improving irrigation efficiency, managing nutrient run-off and/or animal waste, improving the health of native plant communities and reducing soil loss.

Landowners and operators who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may participate in the EQIP program.

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