Cost-Share Opportunities Help Almond Growers Reduce Environmental Impacts
By Marni Katz
Special to California Almonds
September 2007 edition
California almond growers should act now to secure technical and financial assistance for integrating sustainable conservation practices into their operations and facilities in 2008.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service provides incentives to help growers reduce environmental impacts from their farming practices through the Environmental Quality Improvement Program (EQIP). As it works through finalizing a 2007 Farm Bill, Congress has extended funding and guidelines for the EQIP program for upcoming fiscal year 2008 similar to previous year’s, but growers must act quickly to secure funds while they are available. Applications for 2008 are due no later than Nov. 2.
“It’s important growers apply early. The agency wants to work with growers to move as quickly as possible to obligate these funds while they are available,” said Mark Parson, EQIP program specialist for NRCS.
The new Farm Bill could bring changes in payment
limitations, adjusted gross income or other requirements that have yet to be
determined.
Parson encouraged almond growers to call their local NRCS office and develop a conservation plan with the help of an NRCS staffer as an important first step in the application process. Specialists will examine soil, water, air and biological resources in the orchard and help growers decide on strategies for improving conditions. They then match those strategies with NRCS programs that can help growers meet conservation goals within the operation.
“We meet with growers one-on-one to find out what their goals and objectives are, look at their resource concerns and improvements they would like to do, and help them make decisions about the right alternatives to meet those objectives. Then we match those alternatives with funding opportunities available through NRCS,” Parson said.
Applications accompanied by a Conservation Plan are given higher funding priority, he noted.
While the deadline for FY 2008 is Nov. 2, applications are accepted year-round. Parson suggested growers contact their local NRCS office and initiate the planning process well in advance of the Nov. 2 deadline.
Growers should be prepared to provide evidence they are able to enter into contracts for a particular piece of land. Keep in mind, NRCS will only fund the transition to a new practice and not those already in place. More information about eligibility and program requirements can be found at the NRCS website listed below.
Most NRCS programs to improve soil and water quality are available statewide, although growers should check with their local NRCS office for specifics. Air quality improvement programs, such as diesel pump replacement and a new program to support conversion to precision pesticide and herbicide spray technology, may only be available in the San Joaquin Valley area.
Here is a look at the types of practices supported through extended EQIP cost-share funding in 2008.
NRCS EQIP Programs for the Central Valley include:
· Cost share irrigation improvements, such as low-volume systems or tail water return systems.
· Water quality practices such as nutrient management programs, filter strips or other practices that reduce runoff.
· Erosion and sediment control practices.
· Diesel irrigation pump motor replacements.
·
NRCS EQIP Air Quality Programs available in the San Joaquin Air District only:
· Smart sprayer technology: Retrofit of sprayers with weed sensors or tree sensors to reduce pesticide applications.
· Oiling of farm roads for dust control.
· Conservation tillage.
· Chipping of almond prunings (funding ends 2010).
For more information on EQIP click on www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/EQIP/.
Utility Company Incentives
In addition to programs through NRCS, both PG&E and Southern California Edison have programs available to help growers increase energy use efficiency of their operation or facility. There are some financial incentives to help growers make necessary changes to equipment or upgrades that improve energy efficiency and can decrease peak loads. For more information go to http://www.pge.com/biz/rebates/agriculture/ or
http://www.agefficiencyplus.com/.
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