Skip to main content
pumpkins on a wagon behind a tractor

EQIP FY 2025 Ranking Questions for Rhode Island Organic Agriculture - Signups 2-3

EQIP FY 2025 Ranking Questions for Rhode Island Organic Agriculture - Signups 2-3 (Jan. 10 & Feb. 28, 2025)

Applicability

Is the applicant planning to, or currently in the process of, transitioning to organic production OR is the applicant currently certified organic producer?

  1. Yes — Points: 0
  2. Otherwise — Points: 0

Category 

Please select the applicable category (multiple categories may apply):

  1. Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) General — Points: 0
  2. Beginning farmer or rancher (BFR) OTI — Points: 0
  3. Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (SDFR) OTI — Points: 0

Program Questions

  1. Are PLUs within a source water protection area?
    1. Yes — Points: 100
    2. Otherwise — Points: 0
  2. Has the participant been in contract violation with a prior USDA NRCS Contract within the past 3 years?
    1. YES — Points: -25
    2. NO — Points: 0
  3. If this application is approved for funding, will this be the applicant's first EQIP contract?
    1. YES — Points: 100
    2. NO — Points: 0

Resource Questions

  1. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include implementation of one soil health or enhancing practice that addresses soil tilth, crusting, water infiltration, organic matter, compaction, etc.?
    1. YES – Points: 40
    2. NO – Points: 0
  2. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include practices that will result in reduction of erosion?
    1. YES – Points: 40
    2. NO – Points: 0
  3. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include practices that will result in creation of buffer zones that will mitigate offsite contaminants from entering the farm?
    1. YES – Points: 30
    2. NO – Points: 0
  4. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include practices with the intent of increasing habitat for pollinators, beneficial insects, or both?
    1. YES – Points: 30
    2. NO – Points: 0
  5. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include practices that will improve wildlife habitat?
    1. YES – Points: 30
    2. NO – Points: 0
  6. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include practices that will utilize prevention, avoiding, monitoring, and suppression (PAMS), such as rotating crops to reduce pest pressure?
    1. YES – Points: 30
    2. NO – Points: 0

Additional Information

Find Your Local Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.