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Financial Assistance from USDA

​​We’re partnering with the USDA  Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to streamline access to technical and financial support for Whidbey’s farmers. USDA's Census of Agriculture shows that Island County has one of the largest percentages of historically underserved producers when compared to surrounding counties - 97% small, 50% women, 34% beginning, 17% veteran, and 7% minority.

USDA offers help unique to the concerns of historically underserved producers: beginning, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and military veterans. In addition, women in agriculture are helping to pave the way for a better future. Use this self-determination tool to see if you’re a limited resource producer. These producers are eligible for higher rates of financial assistance from USDA. We'll help you navigate the process.
FarmWalk host farmer collage
Silva Family, Eckholm, Foggy Hill, and Bell's Farms

Natural Resource Conservation

NRCS provides agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers with financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement improvements, or what NRCS calls conservation practices. ​Using these practices can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil, and better wildlife habitat, all while improving agricultural operations. You can use the Conservation Concerns Tool to learn about different types of conservation issues that might impact the productivity or natural resources on your farm, ranch, or forest.
IDENTIFY YOUR CONSERVATION CONCERNS

​The NRCS calls these issues resource concerns and uses the categories soil, water, air, animals, plants, and energy/human. For example, we can look at ways to address the amount of soil lost; mitigate the impact of excess water; reduce the contribution of agricultural operations to airborne soil particles and greenhouse gas emissions; improve the cover, food, and water available for domestic and wildlife species; or promote energy efficiencies for on-farm activities. Check out this more detailed resource concern handbook for more info, and learn how NRCS defines land uses.​

​Together, NRCS and producers invest in solutions that conserve natural resources for the future while also improving agricultural operations. We can help you apply for assistance through two NRCS cost-share programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). EQIP is generally a good entry point for producers, while CSP provides ongoing support for those who have already invested in conservation on their land. Learn more about common myths about working with NRCS.​
SWAPA Infographic with text

EQIP

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program is a voluntary payment rate program that helps producers make conservation work for them. Participants implement conservation practices and activities and NRCS provides reimbursement payments and technical assistance through a contractual agreement. These resource conservation techniques can include: improving irrigation efficiency, restoring pasture, installing season extension high tunnels, improving nutrient management, and much more! 
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Download our Fact Sheet for more Details
​Is EQIP Right for Me?

CSP

​The Conservation Stewardship Program helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.  Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, chances are CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals with conservation activities called enhancements. 
CSP Info Session Recording
CSP program information packet

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Download our Fact Sheet for more details

Highly Erodible Lands & Wetlands Considerations

How do I Apply?

Pro Tip! Think at least 1 year in advance 
​

Applications are accepted year-round, but NRCS occasionally batches and ranks applications ​that meet their fall or spring deadlines for consideration.

​
Read 10 Tips from NRCS on your application
Download the application forms and instructions
Contact Allison to set-up an initial consultation
heirloom cattle at Bell's Farm
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State Financial Assistance

The Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC) also provides cost share assistance to implement USDA NRCS-approved conservation practices through competitive funding programs like the Natural Resource Investments and Shellfish Programs. We help administer local reimbursements of up to 75% for historically underserved applicants and 50% for others.

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By working with our Planners to submit the required materials, your project may be considered for funding by WSCC if it meets the following eligibility requirements:
  • Your project will create a demonstrated improvement in natural resource management
  • You own the land or, if you are a lessee, the landowner is willing to co-sign a contract
  • You have confirmed your project meets all legal and permitting requirements of local, state, and federal agencies
  • For work to be completed by a contractor, you must submit at least one written bid
  • For work to be completed yourself, you must submit a project plan with estimates of permitting costs, materials costs, labor hours, and equipment type and usage
  • You have not terminated or failed to complete a prior WSCC contract
  • You can complete work within the funding biennium (July 2023 - June 2025)
  • You agree to maintain the project to NRCS standards for its designated lifetime

​Pre-planning work must be completed with our Planners by April 1 prior to the funding biennium (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025)
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Download our Fact Sheet for more Details
Request Assistance for a detailed cost share orientation to discuss your options.
Eligible Costs
  • Licensed and verified contractor charges
  • Materials purchased (excluding tools and equipment) and equipment rental
  • Employee labor costs as properly documented
  • Applicant’s own labor and labor provided at no monetary cost (family and friends), valued at $22 per hour, or the established minimum wage for persons younger than 17
  • Use of applicant’s own equipment is valued according to the most current USDA Farm Service Agency Equipment and Implements Rates List. 

Other Considerations
  • You will work with our Planners to complete several preliminary tools and worksheets in line with our conservation planning process
  • Work cannot begin prior to contract signing and Cultural Resource Compliance process completion (typically two months after contract signing)
  • WSCC Cost Share award limit is $50,000 per applicant per fiscal year
  • Your total financial assistance from all sources (i.e. grants, federal) shall not exceed 100% of the total project eligible expenses
  • Reimbursement payments are made upon submission of receipts and final inspection of the practice completion. Partial payments may be possible for projects including multiple practices once an individual practice is completed, if the rest will be complete within 6 months.
  • Projects on public land are eligible for 50% reimbursement and need prior approval by WSCC​

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Locate your USDA contact information
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​Locate your WICD contact information
Office Hours:
COVID-19 Response: Our office is currently closed to visitors, and our staff is primarily working remotely. 
Mailing Address: PO Box 490, Coupeville, WA
Office Location: 1 NE 4th Street, Coupeville, WA

Office Phone: 360-678-4708
General Email: wicd[at]whidbeycd.org
REQUEST ASSISTANCE
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Next Monthly Board Meeting:
Regular Board Meeting:
​Thursday, March 2, 2023, 9am - Noon

Contact us for remote meeting information.
  • Board meetings are open to the public
  • Learn more about our board supervisors
  • Upcoming and past board meeting dates
  • Past meeting minutes & agendas ​​
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • What We Do
    • Meet the Team
    • Goals & Accomplishments
  • Programs
    • Events & Education
    • Cost Share
    • Farm & Ranch
    • Forest >
      • Firewise
    • Habitat
    • Water
  • Resource Hub
    • Historical Maps