NRCS Announces Extension to 2009 Sign-up for Conservation Assistance to Organic Farmers

Auburn, Alabama, May 20, 2009

Alabama farmers who are transitioning to organic agriculture, or who are currently certified organic, can receive special assistance for meeting their conservation goals under new provisions in the 2008 Farm Bill. The sign-up period has been extended until June 5, 2009.

The Organic Initiative is part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to landowners willing to implement practices to improve natural resources on privately owned agricultural land.  Applications for EQIP are taken continuously throughout the year, however to be considered for Fiscal Year 2009 funding, producers need to have an application signed and returned to their local NRCS office by June 5, 2009, to be eligible for this round of funding under the EQIP Organic Initiative. 

While EQIP has always been available for organic producers to treat resource concerns on their land, with the provisions of the new Farm Bill, specific funds are being set aside to assist organic producers. Individual applicants can receive a maximum of $80,000 over the life of the 2008 Farm Bill, and no more than $20,000 in any one year. Applications for the EQIP Organic Initiative are competitive and are ranked based on national and state resource priorities as well as their overall benefit to the environment. 

Eligible practices include a suite of 6 Core Conservation Practices (Conservation Crop Rotation, Cover Crop, Nutrient Management, Pest Management, Prescribed Grazing, and Forage Harvest Management) plus 18 other conservation practices that items from fencing and water systems to terraces and gully control structures.

Some participants are eligible to receive a higher payment rate; those are limited resource farmers, beginning farmers, and socially disadvantaged groups. For more information go to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/SLB_Farmer/. 

Visit your local USDA Service Center and talk to the NRCS office staff for more details about EQIP, conservation planning, and other programs to help you protect your farm. You may also find additional information at the Alabama NRCS website.