2003 Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Rhode Island Summary

Overview

In 2003, Rhode Island experienced a large jump in both the number of EQIP applications received and the amount of cost share funds applied for. Fortunately, with the passage of the 2002 Farm Bill, we were able to meet many of those requests. Thirty-six new contracts were selected for funding from the 60 applications received, at an average cost of $38,650 per contract. The vast majority of the contracts address livestock related concerns, such as manure storage and fencing animals out of wet areas. Several contracts also address irrigation water management systems, including the source of water, delivery of water to the field, and application of water. Many other contracts address erosion control on cropland and forestland.

Accomplishments

In total, Rhode Island has developed 104 EQIP contracts. These plans cover 7211 acres and represent $3.2 million in federal cost share assistance. Despite Rhode Island’s small size, agriculture in the state is as diverse as in our neighboring states. The EQIP program addresses problems that reflect that diversity. While there are over 700 farming operations in Rhode Island, a state with just over 600,000 total acres, many of these farms are operated by producers who work full-time off of the farm. As such, NRCS has worked with its partners to develop the EQIP program in Rhode Island to meet the needs of both the full-time commercial farmers as well as the smaller “hobby” farms that are becoming more common. NRCS has benefited Rhode Island's natural resources by installing: improved irrigation systems that conserve water, alternate sources of water for large volume irrigators that enhance riparian systems; comprehensive nutrient management systems that include waste storage, land application, and fencing; and a variety of land management practices to protect water quality.

Outlook

The agricultural community of Rhode Island finds it increasingly more difficult to farm in a rapidly urbanizing environment. Programs like EQIP are important tools to these farmers as they adapt to pressures of farming “on the fringe.” Continued funding for EQIP in Rhode Island will help ensure their ability to farm.

State Contact

Vicky Drew
Resources Conservationist, USDA NRCS EQIP Program Manager
60 Quaker Lane, Suite 46
Warwick, RI 02886
Phone: 401-822-8820
Fax: 401-828-0433

Customer Focus

Black Walnut Farm

The Black Walnut Farm is owned by Alena and Ernest Golding. The farm is a 22 acre horse farm adjacent to Secret Lake, in the town of North Kingstown. The Goldings purchased the farm in 1985. Besides horses, they also raise sheep and chickens. The farm has many resource problems, including excess stormwater, forage quality, erosion and waste management. With expert technical assistance from NRCS a conservation plan was developed. The plan includes many conservation practices, such as a waste storage structure, fencing, a roof runoff structure, a grassed waterway, an access road, animal trails and walkways, pasture and hayland planting, prescribed grazing and nutrient management. With NRCS assistance, the Goldings secured financial support from the USDA Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). They installed many of the practices this year. The outcomes so far have been improved ground and surface water quality and reduced erosion rates. Both the Goldings and NRCS staff are proud of their accomplishments, especially the improvements in water quality on their farm and in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island’s EQIP Dollars and Contracts by Congressional District

Rhode Island EQIP Dollars and Contracts (includes inactive or cancelled contracts)