Small Scale Farmer Initiative 2009

Objective

The objective of the Small Scale Farmer Initiative Program is to provide funding and outreach assistance to Small Scale Farmers who play an important role in conserving our natural resources through traditional and non-traditional conservation methods and who do not meet the criteria for Limited Resource Farmer/Rancher status.

A Small Scale Farmer is classified within the underserved participants as defined in the USDA-NRCS Outreach Program and within the eligibility criteria described below. Individuals interested in this program must complete the Small Scale Farmer Initiative Self Certification.

Program Goal

The program goal is to increase participation in USDA voluntary conservation programs through a special initiative designed to address the farming operations of this group of producers.

Eligibility Criteria

1. The farm operation shall be no larger than 200 acres and constitute no more than 100 acres combined of open land in pasture and cropland. The State Conservationist or his designee may grant waivers to the 200 acre limitation. Request for Waivers will be submitted by the District Conservationist via email with a justification statement to the State Conservationist or his designee. Participants should be informed that if a waiver is granted this does not guarantee contract approval.
    
2. Ten percent of the cropland acres must already be dedicated to alternative crops. Alternative crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, floral, medicinal herbs, and others that are grown using traditional, organic, or sustainable methods. Alternative livestock include but are not limited to sheep, goats, rabbits, and pastured or free-range poultry.
    
3. Applicant earnings farm and off farm combined must not exceed an adjusted gross income of $60,000.

Guidelines

1. All Resource Concerns used in the EQIP County Programs for County-Wide Concerns are eligible for this project.
    
2. All Practices listed on the EQIP Practice and Practice Restriction List are eligible for this project.
    
3. Two additional Management Systems/Practices are eligible for financial assistance:
   
   a. Micro-irrigation – Mulch Cropping System (Plasticulture or Organic Mulch)
   b. Small Ruminant Woodland Grazing Systems
    
4. All eligible applications will be ranked using ranking criteria developed and approved at the state level.