USDA funds will combat California drought, eVGN February 2013

USDA announced Feb. 4 that it will make $20 million available for agricultural water conservation efforts throughout California to combat the effects of drought. Interested landowners and managers have until March 3 to apply for available funds.

“Working with our federal, state and local partners, we are doing everything within our power to support those farmers and ranchers affected by this intense drought,” Vilsack said. “These funds will help get a suite of scientifically proven conservation techniques on the ground and helping producers.”

Through the National Drought Resilience Partnership, federal agencies are working closely with state, local government, agriculture and other partners on a coordinated response to the drought.

The additional funding will be available through USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and will help agricultural operators use water more efficiently, stabilize fallowed cropland and protect their livelihoods for the future. Funds are available statewide to install a number of conservation practices, including irrigation efficiency, cover crops, rehabilitation of existing spring developments, protection of grazing lands and other supporting components, according to USDA.

Funds will be divided between two specific funding pools: cropland and grazing lands. Cropland with a reduced water allocation of at least 85 percent will receive the highest priority. In order to be considered eligible for EQIP, the applicant must have a vested interest in agricultural production and meet other program requirements.

For more information, eligible landowners should contact their local NRCS Service Center. Service center locations and additional information on the drought initiative can be found here.