(a) The purposes of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are to promote agricultural production, forest management, and environmental quality as compatible goals, and to optimize environmental benefits. Through EQIP, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to eligible agricultural producers, including nonindustrial private forest landowners (NIPF) and Indian Tribes, to help implement conservation practices which address soil, water, and air quality; wildlife habitat; surface and groundwater conservation; energy conservation; and related resource concerns. EQIP’s financial and technical assistance helps producers comply with environmental regulations and enhance agricultural and forested lands in a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial manner. The purposes of the program are achieved by planning and implementing conservation practices on eligible land.