Payment program
Maine Healthy Soils Top-Off Incentive Program (NRCS EQIP Top-Off Incentive)
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), Agricultural Resource Development Division
What you can get
Formula-based top-off payment on top of the EQIP contract, determined by funding available, number of applicants, and EQIP practice cost and units • $500,000 available statewide; all eligible applicants will receive payment through this program
- Readiness
- Ready to apply
- Who can apply
- producer, Maine farmers who own and/or operate a farm in Maine and hold a USDA NRCS EQIP contract with eligible practice codes active between Jan 1, 2022 and Jun 30, 2031
- Coverage
- ME
- Deadline & timing
- Due November 6, 2026. September 23, 2026 - Application opens; November 6, 2026 - Application Submissions due by 12:00 p.m. ET. Anticipated payment period January 2027. RFA ARDTIP27.
- Eligibility
- Eligible applicants: producer, Maine farmers who own and/or operate a farm in Maine and hold a USDA-NRCS EQIP contract with eligible practice codes active between Jan 1, 2022 and Jun 30, 2031.
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Oct 12, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.