How to Apply for NRCS EQIP Pollinator Habitat Cost-Share
EQIP is for agricultural landowners, not residential homeowners. You must have a USDA farm number and a qualifying agricultural operation. Residential homeowners should look at city and utility water rebate programs instead.
Application Steps
- 1
Find your local NRCS field office
Use the USDA office locator at offices.usda.gov to find the NRCS office serving your county. Call ahead to schedule a site visit with a conservation planner.
Find your local NRCS office - 2
Get a USDA farm number if you don't have one
You need a USDA farm number to be eligible. Visit or call your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office, which is usually in the same building as NRCS. Bring a property deed or lease agreement and a valid tax ID.
USDA FSA farm number info - 3
Request a conservation planning visit
Your NRCS planner will visit your property, assess natural resource concerns, and recommend eligible practices. Technical assistance is free. The planner will help you identify which pollinator practices (Practice 420, Practice 327) fit your land.
- 4
Submit application Form CPA-1200
Complete and submit Form CPA-1200 at your local NRCS office. Applications are accepted year-round, but each state sets ranking dates — applications received by that date are considered for the current funding cycle. FY2026 ranking dates will be published at nrcs.usda.gov.
EQIP application page - 5
Sign your contract and implement
NRCS ranks applications by conservation benefit and state priority. If funded, you receive a contract offer. After signing, NRCS provides practice specifications. Payments are made after practices are certified as complete by your planner.
Apply through your local NRCS office
Full Program Details
See amounts, eligibility requirements, qualifying plants, and FAQs on the full program page.
NRCS EQIP Pollinator Habitat Cost-Share — full guide