"Unfortunately, the proposed EQIP rules perpetuates regional inequities in our nation's farm assistance programs," they said. "The proposed rules, as written, will shut Maine farmers out of this important program."
The EQIP Program, administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is a voluntary conservation program that provides technical, financial, and educational assistance to farmers and ranchers. In recent years, Maine potato, wild blueberry, nursery, and small fruit and vegetable farmers have been working to expand irrigation capacity to address the current drought and as a risk management tool. At the same time, Maine farmers want to expand irrigation in an environmentally-friendly manner. This program is a perfect fit for those needs.
Unfortunately, the newly proposed rules would limit the participation of Maine farmers in a number of ways. First, the proposed rules would limit a cost-share to only 50 percent, less than the 75 percent cost-share authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill. Lower cost-share rates discourage the producer from investing in conservation, particularly when the producer is small or medium-sized.
Further, eligibility is limited to those farmers who have irrigated their land for three of the last five years, a requirement that essentially makes it impossible for most Maine potato and wild blueberry growers to participate in the program. Finally, Maine farmers may be harmed because the new rules mandate that funds will be distributed according to "National Priorities," given that Maine's unique local priorities do not align closely with the National Priorities list. The Maine Potato Board, the Wild Blueberry Commission, and the Maine Association of Conservation Districts have submitted comments to the USDA urging a change in the EQIP rules.
"The USDA must remain true to its claim that locally led conservation is the cornerstone of EQIP and other conservation programs," said Senator Collins. "Maine farmers have traditionally participated in USDA conservation programs at high rates even though they have not been targeted by USDA outreach efforts. It is time that we correct these inequities and give our farmers the same access to these programs as farmers in other parts of the country."