JACKSON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications to help producers improve water and air quality, build healthier soil, improve grazing and forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations and achieve other environmental benefits.

NRCS has directed more millions of dollars in financial assistance for fiscal 2014 to help Mississippi producers implement conservation practices through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Interested producers should visit their local NRCS service center for information on EQIP sign-up periods.

“The Environmental Quality Incentives Program offers farmers, ranchers and forestland managers a variety of options to conserve natural resources, while boosting production on their lands,” State Conservationist, Kurt Readus said. “This conservation investment helps improve environmental health and the economy of Mississippi rural communities.”

The deadline for accepting applications to be considered in the next ranking period in Mississippi has been extended until Nov. 15.

Applications for the second and third ranking periods are due by Jan. 17 and April 18, respectively.