For immediate release

New initiative offers funding for organic, transitional growers

Deadline for applications set for May 29
 

SPOKANE, Wash. (May 11, 2009) – Washington agricultural producers transitioning to organic production or already certified as organic, may qualify for technical and financial assistance through a new initiative, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today.

More than $1 million in funding will be available to eligible producers in Washington as part of the agency’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

According to Assistant State Conservationist Dave Brown, producers must submit applications by May 29 to be included in the initial ranking for funding. “However, EQIP signup is continuous so producers may submit an application to their local service center at any time,” he said.

Organic producers can receive up to $20,000 per year or $80,000 over six years through this initiative. Nationally, six core practices have been identified by NRCS that are likely to be needed by many growers associated with organic production systems.  Due to increased costs for conservation practices related to organic operations, NRCS is increasing the standard payment rate by up to 60 percent for these core practices. The core practices are: Conservation Crop Rotation; Cover Crop; Nutrient Management; Pest Management; Prescribed Grazing; and Forage Harvest Management.

“In addition to the six core practices, there are more than 20 additional practices that can qualify for funding through this initiative in Washington,” Brown said.

The 2009 EQIP Organic Initiative is a nationwide special initiative to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production. Applicants must either have an organic system plan that meets the NOP guidelines or certify that they are working toward one. (For more information go to www.ams.usda.gov/nop/). Organic producers may also apply for assistance under general EQIP.

Brown encourages organic producers, or those transitioning to organic production to contact their local USDA Service Center to learn more about this opportunity before the May 29 sign-up deadline. Additional information on the 2009 EQIP Organic Initiative is available at: www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/.

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