The grant applied for by David and Kathy Kristjanson-Gural to turn forestland into cropland falls under the Eqip (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) banner. They won’t know until at least December if they will receive the grant, but here’s more information about it.

The 2008 Farm Bill provided authority to address air quality and energy conservation resource concerns through EQIP.

Eqip is a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals.

EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. EQIP offers contracts that provide financial assistance to implement conservation practices.

Eligible persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may participate in the EQIP program. Conservation activities are carried out according to a conservation plan developed with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or practices to address the resource concerns on their farm or ranch. Implementation of recommended practices must be done in a manner that meets or exceeds NRCS technical standards adapted for local conditions.

Although there is no direct authority to address climate change, many projects and practices funded through EQIP could have benefits for climate change.