The Environmental Quality Incentives Program is offering farmers and agricultural producers in Jackson and Swain counties the opportunity to sign up for financial assistance to implement conservation practices.

“The most common types of agricultural operations in Swain and Jackson counties include livestock farming, row crops, Christmas trees and forestland,” according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture press release. “The EQIP program offers a vast array of conservation practices that can be installed on such lands.”

The EQIP offers funding for projects that include access road stabilization, seeding and stabilization of eroded areas, heavy use area protection, stream bank protection and more. The cost-sharing rate for projects varies between 50 to 90 percent, depending on the conservation practice used and landowner qualifications. In exchange for funding, participants are required to pay any remaining amounts and maintain the conservation practice for 10 years.

For more information about the EQIP contact the Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District at 828.586.6344, the Swain Soil and Water Conservation District at 828.488.8803, or the USDA Service Center at 828.488.3485. Deadline for registration is Feb. 18.