On September 23, 2024, USDA announced that the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Wisconsin is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for fiscal year 2025. Both programs provide technical and financial assistance to farmers to implement conservation activities, many of which have climate mitigation benefits. Applications are due by November 1, 2024 but those submitted after that date will be considered on a rolling basis for future funding terms. Through EQIP and RCPP, USDA has also opened special sign-up opportunities for the following initiatives: Farmstead, Local Work Group, Organic, Climate Smart Agriculture & Forestry, Urban Agriculture, and Conservation Incentive Contracts.
EQIP and RCPP are funded by the Farm Bill and IRA section 21001, which appropriates funds to support climate smart agricultural conservation investments.