Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance
Iowa Cost-Share Comparison
This resources is developed by the Iowa Agriculture Water alliance to navigate incentive programs for cover crops, no-till, and reduced till.
Cost Share Hub
This resources provides information about the use of cost share in successfully implementing sustainable practices.
USDA Programs
USDA Conservation Programs
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers several conservation programs, some in conjunction with FSA. A complete list of programs can be found here. Two popular programs, EQIP and CRP are described below.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
NRCS administers the EQIP program and works with producers to provide no-cost technical assistance and also financial assistance to address conservation concerns on their farm, including soil health and erosion, air and water quality, wildlife habitat and drought mitigation. For more information about the EQIP program and application process, contact your local NRCS office.
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers the voluntary Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). CRP provides and incentive for producers and landowners to convert highly erodible and other environmentally sensitive land to vegetative cover, and in exchange, receive an annual rental payment. The CRP program also provides cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative covers. Producers and landowners must apply to the CRP program. Their application will be evaluated based on whether their land is environmentally sensitive land that meets specific criteria related to cropping history and environmental characteristics. Contact your local FSA office for more information about the program and how to apply.
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Financial Assistance for Conservation Practices
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship offers financial assistance for the implementation of some conservation practices.
Practical Farmers of Iowa
Practical Farmers of Iowa Cost Share Program
PFI’s cost-share programs provide financial incentives and technical support to help implement and master a variety of resilient farming practices, including cover crops, diversifying crop rotations, reducing nitrogen, grazing, precision conservation and other practices that improve soil health and water quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase wildlife habitat.
Resources
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Programs The NRCS website provides detail about the programs available to producers, including EQIP. It also provides information on how to apply for the programs.
Practical Farmers of Iowa Information about Practical Farmers of Iowa's cost-share and incentive program can be found here.
Iowa Professionals Links to Iowa professionals who can assist with natural resources questions.