NRCS Offers Over $880,000 For Organic Practices In PA, 3 Week Sign Up Period

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service officials in Pennsylvania this week announced a special 3-week sign-up period for a new Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative.

 

This initiative will provide both financial and technical assistance to help with conservation practices for organic producers and producers transitioning to organic agriculture systems. The funding is part of $50 million made available nationally by the USDA.

 

"Organic farming is one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. Agriculture," says Craig Derickson, Natural Resources Conservation Service's State Conservationist. "This initiative helps producers plan and implement conservation practices to allow their organic operations to be environmentally sustainable."

 

Under the Organic Initiative, a large number of conservation practices are eligible for EQIP funding if needed to solve farm-specific resource concerns.

 

Core practices that receive additional consideration as part of the application evaluation process are Conservation Crop Rotation; Cover Crop; Nutrient Management; Pest Management; Prescribed Grazing; and Forage Harvest Management. Practices for soil erosion control, soil improvement, manure handling, water quality protection, and grazing system improvements are also available.

 

Applications from organic producers or producers in the process of transitioning to organic production, received during this special signup period between May 11 and May 29, will be given preference for funding in 2009. Applications received after May 29 will also be accepted and considered if funds are still available for this year.

 

Interested producers should visit their nearest USDA Service Center to determine eligibility. Producers will be asked to verify their organic status and may need to provide documents such as copies of organic plans.

 

For more information, visit the NRCS 2009 EQIP Organic Initiative webpage.