Santa Cruz, California, USA
February 2, 2010

For the second year in a row, organic and transitioning farmers are eligible for a special USDA initiative to encourage conservation practices on their lands. The 2010 Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative provides $50 million in organic support, duplicating last year’s program funding level.

Producers have until March 12, 2010 to complete applications through their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office.

NRCS Chief Dave White initiated the program last year as part of USDA’s growing commitment to improving and expanding organic acres nationally.

Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) Senior Policy Analyst Mark Lipson said the renewal of the Organic Initiative in 2010 reaffirms the administration’s intent to embed organic agriculture as a key feature in its conservation programs.

“The Organic Initiative is a historic breakthrough at USDA and has great potential for organic and transitioning producers. OFRF urges all interested producers to take a close look at the program,” said Lipson.

“NRCS and the organic community learned a lot through implementation of the OI in 2009, and all that new knowledge will help improve the delivery and effectiveness of the program in 2010,” Lipson continued.

Producers who receive NRCS contracts under the initiative are paid 75 percent of the cost for the organic conservation measures they implement. Beginning, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged producers are paid up to 90 percent. The program provides up to $20,000 per year with a maximum total of $80,000 over six years.

OFRF has initiated an informational campaign in support of the initiative, reaching out to organic and transitioning producers to encourage full participation in the program. Producers can learn more about the initiative and how to apply at www.ofrf.org 
 

Website: http://www.ofrf.org

Published: February 2, 2010