On September 27, 2024, USDA announced that the Natural Resources Conservation Service in California is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2025. This program provides technical and financial assistance to farmers to implement conservation activities, many of which have climate mitigation benefits. Applications are due by November 15, 2024. IRA-funded EQIP awards go towards conservation practices to improve soil carbon; reduce nitrogen loss; mitigate carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions (through capture, avoidance, or sequestration); and more.
EQIP is funded by the Farm Bill and IRA section 21001, which appropriates funds to support climate smart agricultural conservation investments.