Applications due Nov. 27 for Conservation Funding

Nevada agricultural landowners and operators are encouraged to submit 2010 applications by Nov. 27 to U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service for participation in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. The program is offered through a continuous sign-up but the service periodically makes funding selections as program dollars allow.

The program was originally established under the 1996 Farm Bill and is reauthorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. It provides technical and financial assistance to landowners to voluntarily address soil, water and related natural resource concerns on agricultural lands. Congress included new provisions in the 2008 Farm Bill setting aside 5 percent of financial assistance dollars to assist beginning farmers and another 5 percent to assist socially disadvantaged farmers.

Nevada's payment rates for all conservation practices in this year's signup have increased from 50 to 75 percent of the average cost of the practice.

For more information, visit your local USDA Service Center or go online to www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov.