Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Congress established the program in the 1996 farm bill to provide primarily cost-sharing assistance, but also technical and educational assistance, aimed at promoting production and environmental quality, and optimizing environmental benefits.

One provides matching grants for innovative conservation efforts, such as using market systems to reduce pollution and promoting carbon sequestration in soil.

The program's financial aid to farmers in purchasing more efficient irrigation equipment was intended to conserve water.

Managed rotational grazing, a method of livestock production in which animals are moved between pastures in order to let pastureland rest, is included as an eligible practice under EQIP.

[7] Specifically, the most common managed grazing practices that may receive funding include: design plans and identification of infrastructure and materials needs such as fencing, planting, and water systems;[8] prescribed grazing systems that improve or maintain water quality, plant communities, watersheds, or wildlife cover;[9] and mechanical treatment to improve soil and plant conditions.