TEMPLE – The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas has announced the first funding application deadline of March 15 for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). A second funding application deadline is scheduled for May 10. Applications are taken year around for NRCS programs, but deadlines are announced to rank and fund eligible conservation projects. Producers interested in signing up for EQIP should submit applications to their local USDA service center or, if already a USDA client, on-line via Conservation Client Gateway (CCG). EQIP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers. Technical assistance is provided without ...