EQIP Roadmap: EQIP Explained for Small Scale Farmers.
NRCS’ Small Farm Conservationist Cara Bergschneider and the Indiana Small Farm Conservation team share about the nuts and bolts of what EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) is, when and how to apply, common small scale practices that have financial incentives, myth busters, and who to contact to get started in Indiana.
Fiscal Year 2027 EQIP Deadline: December 18, 2026*
*Note: This is just the deadline to apply for funding in fiscal year 2027. You don’t have to have a full plan yet. This gets your foot in the door to work with your local NRCS conservationist and small farms specialist on a more robust conservation plan and application with all the practices. Applications are accepted any time prior to December 18th.
Important next step: Contact your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to establish farm records (establish as a customer and receive a farm and tract #). It is encouraged to do this as soon as possible.
*This page has been updated with new information for Fiscal Year 2027*
Resource Links
- Google Drive folder with EQIP Roadmap presentation slides – presentation, EQIP application & instructions PDFs, contact information, and related materials
- Top 10 Small Farm Conservation Practices
- NRCS Resources for Small Scale Farms
- Urban & Small Scale Farm Programs – July 8, 2024 presentation
- Find Your Local Service Center – NRCS and FSA offices
- Farmers.gov: https://www.farmers.gov/ – Can be used to submit an application online (call local office to ensure application was received)
- Indiana Small Farms Conservation team – contact info and map
EQIP Roadmap – Presentation Recording (December 2025). The October 2026 recording will be uploaded as soon as possible.
Watch below or directly on YouTube here.