EQIP Program Reform: Lower Payment Caps and Reduced Subsidies for Farmers
This bill significantly amends the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides financial assistance to farmers for conservation practices. The key change is lowering the maximum payment limit for a single producer from $450,000 to $150,000, potentially shifting funds towards smaller operations. Furthermore, the act reduces the percentage of cost-share payments for specific infrastructure projects, such as water facilities and waste storage, impacting farmers' investment decisions in these areas.
Key points
The maximum payment limit for a single producer under the EQIP program is reduced from $450,000 to $150,000, aiming to distribute funds more broadly.
Reduced subsidies: Cost-share payments for specific practices, including access roads, dams, irrigation pipelines, and waste storage facilities, are lowered from 75% to 40% of the total cost.
General conservation practices remain eligible for 75% cost coverage, and 100% of income foregone by the producer is still covered.
Mandatory annual reporting to Congress detailing how EQIP funds are obligated, categorized by state, fiscal year, and the size of the producer's operation.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_658
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Process start date: 2023-03-06