Landowners can access grant funds in dedicated MAGSA funding pool thanks to NRCS-EQIP WaterSMART Initiative

A $1 million funding pool is available to MAGSA landowners every year for the next 4 years through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) WaterSMART Initiative.

MAGSA was selected as a priority area to receive the targeted funding pool to help eligible farmers and ranchers make improvements for collective water conservation and drought resilience.

Through the initiative, NRCS provides eligible EQIP applicants with the additional resources and tools needed to manage soil moisture, improve irrigation water use efficiency in crop and pasture lands, and protect irrigation water sources from depletion. This may include water delivery automation and monitoring, irrigation water management and conveyance, sprinkler irrigation systems, and more. 

MAGSA’s Implementing Rules & Regulations for Groundwater Well Metering, Measurement, Monitoring, and Construction Policy outlines requirements for well meters and telemetry by January 31, 2025. To assist in meeting the well metering and telemetry requirements, MAGSA strongly encourages applicants to use this opportunity to fund their well flow meters and telemetry!

MAGSA landowners who hope to take advantage of grant funds can apply using the normal EQIP application process but will benefit from competing with significantly fewer applicants for grant dollars. Any MAGSA applications will be sorted automatically by NRCS to compete for the MAGSA-only funding pool.

Growers who are interested must still meet the NRCS EQIP funding eligibility requirements. To be eligible, an applicant must own or lease and manage their land and have an average gross income of $900,000 or less.

MAGSA is planning a series of outreach workshops and events to assist eligible growers with the application process. The first is a webinar to provide an overview of the process. In October, MAGSA will host application workshops and drop-off events in Kerman to make the process as seamless as possible.

MAGSA is assisting our growers with the application process!

Join us for an upcoming webinar on the NRCS EQIP Application Process. This webinar is for MAGSA landowners and operators who are interested in applying for grant funding. Attendees can expect to leave this event with:

1. A clear understanding of the EQIP application process, including how to enroll in the Farm Service Agency (a critical first step!).
2. Connections to local NRCS field office staff.
3. Confidence to complete the application process.

Wednesday, August 10, 2022
12:00 – 1:00 PM Via Zoom Webinar
REGISTER HERE!