Funding available to help with safe disposal of livestock due to COVID-19
Assistance Available
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering financial and technical assistance to livestock producers for animal mortality disposal, resulting from impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to Apply Producers facing livestock depopulation are encouraged to file the attached Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) application (Form CCC-1200) with their local NRCS field office. Applications are being accepted now.
Through EQIP, a producer can apply for a practice called Emergency Animal Mortality Management and other practices to properly dispose of carcasses. Across the nation, NRCS will offer consistent options for farmers to find the right alternatives for their needs.
The producer is responsible for the proper disposal of animal mortality by following requirements specific to each option. All Federal, State and Local laws must be followed and are the responsibility of the producer to secure any necessary permits.
Plans and permits may be required for each option through the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and others as needed.
Eligibility Agricultural producers and owners of nonindustrial private forestland and Tribes are eligible to apply for EQIP. Eligible land includes cropland, pastureland, nonindustrial private forestland and other farm or pasture lands.
For eligibility requirements, an application and approved early start waiver must be filed with your local NRCS office. NOTE: Participants must request an early start waiver in writing (e-mail, letter, etc).
Other program information:
To receive assistance, producers must have both an application and an approved early start waiver filed at the local NRCS office prior to disposal of animal carcasses. All NRCS standards must be followed, and NRCS will provide the technical assistance needed
Financial assistance is limited and all applications may not be funded.
Nationally-established payment caps may apply.
*Historically Underserved (HU) producers,including socially disadvantaged, beginning and limited resource farmers, Indian tribes and beginning farmers/veterans are eligible for an increased payment rate.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Through EQIP, NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to plan and implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and energy usage on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland.
While not designed to be an emergency response program, EQIP can play a vital role in assisting producers recovering from disasters.
For more information about carcass disposal, see Emergency Animal Mortality Management (NRCS Practice Code 368).