2002 Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Rhode Island Summary

Overview

In 2002, 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 most of those requests. Eleven new contracts were selected for funding from the 19 applications received, at an average cost of $61,225 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.

Rhode Island continues to work with local land trusts, using EQIP and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) to help clients address natural resource concerns raised by the land trusts. At all times, NRCS only works with a willing landowner, so the land trusts must "sell" the idea of developing a conservation plan to the landowner prior to NRCS involvement. Once the landowner has agreed to work with us, then we help them develop a conservation plan that meets their objectives as well as that of the land trust. This "win-win" partnership has provided an opportunity for NRCS to work with many clients that may not otherwise know about our services and the programs we offer.

Accomplishments

In total, Rhode Island has developed 68 EQIP contracts. These plans cover 5342 acres and represent over $1.8 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." Sustained funding for EQIP in Rhode Island would 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

The Bailey Farm

The Bailey Farm project is one example of how NRCS assistance, both technical and financial, helped minimize the potential for manure-laden runoff to reach a nearby brook. NRCS began working with the Baileys in 1999 to plan improvements to manure storage handling and disbursement on the farm, as well as fencing to prevent livestock access to the streams and wetlands. With NRCS assistance, the Baileys secured financial support for the project from both the USDA Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Rhode Island's Non-Governmental Business Pollution Abatement Assistance Program. A new underground sewage disposal system was installed in 2000 to adequately treat milkhouse wastewater. This year, the Baileys completed construction on a manure storage structure, concrete loafing area for the livestock in the barnyard, and a stream crossing for the cows to use in accessing distant fields. Both the Baileys and NRCS staff are proud of their accomplishments, especially the expected 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)

Small Farm Conservation Plan

Location:

2279 Plainfield Pike, Johnston, RI 02919

Type of project:

Composting Facility, Erosion Control

Producer:

Pezza Farm Inc.

USDA contact for project:

Vicky Drew, RI - EQIP Program Manager

USDA Program involved:

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Partners

Northern RI Conservation District

Site conditions prior to the project:

Excess storm runoff water from uphill acreage ran through the animal pens and customer areas and through adjacent cropland, causing erosion. The existing waste material pile was located near one of these flow-paths, and regularly was washed into the nearby stream at the bottom of the slope.

Project goal:

To control excess runoff water, erosion control of cropland, and to construct a composting facility to better manage agricultural wastes such as manure and plant debris from the greenhouse operation and to improve water quality. The compost will be utilized on-site as potting soil for the greenhouse operation.

Dates of project:

Project was approved August 1997 with all contracted conservation practices installed by Sep., 2002. NRCS is continuing to review and evaluate the project.

Farm overview:

Mike and Doreen Pezza have operated the intensive small-farm for over 28 years. The family grows and sells flowers, vegetables and other farm products at their farm stand and greenhouse operation. They raise about 13 acres of field-grown vegetables and also raise about 20 beef cows on 15 acres of managed pasture. Other animals include chickens, sheep, and goats that are very popular with visitors to the farm. They host many school field trips, especially around Halloween, with scarecrow-stuffing contests being a favorite with the children.

Practices and Technologies implemented:

• Composting Facility - a paved pad was installed, with walls to biologically stabilize and properly handle agricultural manure and greenhouse plant material waste and to recycle potting soil.
• Filter Strip - to treat runoff from the composting pad
• Cover and Green Manure - to reduce soil erosion, improve soil quality, and tie-up nutrients.
• Critical Area Planting - plant permanent vegetation to control erosion and stabilize disturbed soil
• Grassed waterway - to control erosion and convey excess storm water away from the facility.

Funding:

The EQIP program provided 75% funding for all but the "cover and green manure" practice, with the farmer supplying the remaining 25%.

Outcome - producer:

Runoff is cleaner and does not flow through the facility - which improves the overall site for the farmer and the customers. The composting facility enables better management and is located in a better spot - away from flowing runoff. The finished compost saves money on potting soil.

Outcome - environmental:

Clean runoff water is directed away from pollution sources, and polluted runoff is treated with buffers. Soil erosion is reduced - surface waters are cleaner.