1466.1—Applicability.
(a)
The purposes of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are to promote agricultural production, forest management, and environmental quality as compatible goals, and to optimize environmental benefits. Through EQIP, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides assistance to eligible farmers and ranchers to address soil, water, and air quality, wildlife habitat, surface and groundwater conservation, energy conservation, and related natural resource concerns. EQIP's financial and technical assistance helps producers comply with environmental regulations and enhance agricultural and forested lands in a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial manner. The purposes of the program are achieved by planning and implementing conservation practices on eligible land.
(b)
EQIP is available in any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.