Natural Resources Conservation Service

Program Description
Nearly three-fourths of the technical assistance provided by the agency goes to helping farmers and ranchers develop conservation systems uniquely suited for their land and individual ways of doing business. The agency also provides assistance to rural and urban communities to reduce erosion, conserve and protect water, and solve other resource problems.

Contact
Larry Holmes
USDA-NRCS,
Mail Stop 5474,
5601 Sunnyside Avenue,
Beltsville, MD 20705.
Phone: 301-504-2215.
Fax: (301) 504-2248.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Established in the 1996 Farm Bill, EQIP is designed to assist farmers facing serious threats to soil, water, and related natural resources. EQIP offers 5- to 10-year contracts that provide costsharing and incentive payments for conservation practices called for in a site specific plan. Nationally, the program provides technical, financial, and educational assistance, primarily in designated priority areas with special environmental sensitivity or significant soil, water, or related natural resource concerns.

Contacts
Your county NRCS field office, Soil Conservation District, Farm Service Agency, Cooperative Extension Service or Program
OR
Edward Brzostek USDA-NRCS, Stop 2890, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250.
Phone: (202) 720-1834
Fax: (202) 720-4265
Email: edward.brzostek@wdc.usda.gov