Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)

A program established by the 1996 farm bill (P.L. 104-127) to promote voluntary implementation of on-farm conservation practices to develop habitat for wetland and upland wildlife, threatened and endangered species, fish and other types of wildlife using cost-share payments and technical assistance. Between its inception and the start of FY2002, the program enrollment included 10,729 long term agreements on over 1.6 million acres. The 2002 farm bill (P.L. 107-171, Sec. 1241) reauthorized the program through FY2007 with mandatory annual funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), growing from $15 million in FY2002 to $85 million in FY2005 through FY2007. It also created a pilot program using up to 15% of the funding to provide additional payments to land owners who agree to enroll land for at least 15 years.

Not what you're looking for?

Check out other glossary terms or Send us a Message and we're happy to answer your questions!