USDA’s Natural Resource and Conservations Service in Washington (NRCS) has adopted a practice standard that will help producers across the state improve air quality and energy efficiency.
Conservation Practice Standard 372 “Combustion System Improvement” is now available to Washington producers interested in defraying the costs associated with the replacement of in use, high-emission tractors and other off road mobile agricultural equipment with new and highly efficient equipment.
The standard is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). While NRCS accepts applications for this program year-round, applicants interested in Fiscal Year 2024 funding need to apply no later than October 20, 2023.
The primary goal of this practice is to help farmers and ranchers improve energy efficiency and improve air quality across Washington. The conservation practice targets oxides of nitrogen emissions and energy savings. Any equipment purchased prior to contract execution is ineligible. Submission of a program application does not guarantee funding. Any contracted equipment replaced must be new equipment. The in-use equipment must be discontinued and dismantled when the new equipment is put into use. Payments will not be issued until the new equipment is received and the old equipment is proven to be properly decommissioned.