Virginia farmers and forest landowners can apply for assistance to protect the health and productivity of their land under the federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

The 2014 Farm Bill program offers technical and financial assistance to plan and install conservation practices on cropland, pastureland and non-industrial private forestland. In 2016, Virginia producers received more than $21.9 million in EQUIP contracts to help improve water quality, soil health and wildlife habitat.

Interested individuals should sign up by Feb. 17. For more information, contact a local U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service office or visit www.va.nrcs.usda.gov.