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NRCS Announces Opportunity for Organic
Producers to Implement Conservation Practices
Contact: Sylvia Rainford, 202-720-2536
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WASHINGTON, April 11, 2011 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White today announced another funding
opportunity for certified organic producers and those transitioning to
organic production to implement resource conservation practices on their
agricultural operations.
 While
applications are accepted on a continuous basis, the cutoff date for
this application period is set for May 20, 2011.
“Organic growers continue to express interest in program support to
implement conservation practices,” White said. “This additional
opportunity will allow more producers to get assistance in protecting
the natural resources on their land and creating conditions that help
foster organic production.”
Fiscal year 2011 marks the third year of USDA’s Organic Initiative. Up
to $50 million is available this year to help producers to plan and
implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns
in ways that are consistent with organic production. For example,
conservation practices might include planting cover crops, establishing
integrated pest management plans, constructing seasonal high tunnels, or
implementing nutrient management systems consistent with organic
certification standards.
Eligible producers include those certified through USDA’s National
Organic Program, those transitioning to certified organic production,
and those who meet organic standards but are exempt from certification
because their gross annual organic sales are less than $5,000.
Organic Initiative funding is provided through NRCS’ Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary conservation program that
promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible
national goals. The 2008 Farm Bill provided assistance specifically for
organic farm operations and those converting to organic production.
Under EQIP Organic Initiative contracts, NRCS provides financial
payments and technical assistance to help producers implement
conservation measures in keeping with organic production. Beginning,
limited resource, and socially disadvantaged producers may obtain
additional assistance. The 2008 Farm Bill limits EQIP payments for
organic operations to $20,000 per year per person or legal entity, with
a maximum total of $80,000 over six years.
Producers interested in applying for EQIP Organic Initiative funding
must submit applications through their local NRCS Service Center, which
can be located through the Web site at
http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and
lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director,
Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C.
20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202-720-6382 (TDD).
The Natural Resources Conservation
Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people
conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.
An Equal Opportunity Provider and
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