Growers who use clean harvest technology––either by purchasing qualified equipment or by hiring a custom harvest service––may be eligible for EQIP payments Almond growers wishing to utilize clean harvest technology to minimize particulate matter (PM) emissions in their orchards may be eligible to receive payments through Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), even though they may hire out the harvest process, according to Johnnie Siliznoff, state air quality specialist.
“The NRCS encourages the use of technology that research has shown will reduce emissions from harvest operations,” Siliznoff said. “Landowners whose jobber uses acceptable, lower-emission equipment in their orchards may be eligible for a payment through this program for up to three years.”
Interested growers should visit their local NRCS field office, obtain and complete an application. Growers awarded contracts will need to supply the required documentation to prove clean harvest technology was used. The NRCS accepts applications year-round and has five funding periods in the 2016 program year. The next cutoff date is in mid-June.
