eNEWS
June 2009 > USDA Announces $50 million for transitioning and organic farmers through EQIP - May 29 deadline to apply
FOG hails the May 5 announcement by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide $50 million nationwide to support organic and transitioning farmers and ranchers through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). USDA Undersecretary Kathleen Merrigan announced a three-week period, Monday, May 11 to Friday, May 29, for farmers and ranchers to apply for conservation incentive funds through EQIP. Florida's NRCS office announced May 20 that the application period was extended until June 12, 2009, for qualified applicants.
“The announcement by the USDA means that Florida farmers and ranchers—those who are already certified organic and those who want to transition to organic production practices—have access to a pot of more than $1.3 million,” FOG Executive Director Marty Mesh said.
EQIP is a conservation incentive program operated by USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). NRCS provides incentives for organic and transitioning growers who implement six core conservation practices: crop rotation, cover cropping, integrated pest management, nutrient management, rotational grazing and forage harvest management. Each state can also add “facilitating” conservation practices relevant to the agriculture of their region.
“Organic farming practices can resoundingly benefit the environment,” Mesh said. “From protecting soil and water resources, to enhancing biodiversity, to mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration, the tremendous benefits that can be realized through organic agriculture have been recognized by the USDA’s announcement to fully fund organic conversion in EQIP.
“It is a victory that owes thanks to many, many organizations and individuals who have labored tirelessly for years to win organic agriculture the recognition it deserves and provide farmers and ranchers support they have long been due to make the transition.”
To assist Florida producers’ transition to organic farming, FOG operates the Organic Transition Program, which allows growers to work alongside experienced organic production crop advisors at no cost. FOG is also administering an Organic Certification Cost Share Program for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The program provides certified organic growers and handlers in Florida with reimbursement of up to 75 percent of certification costs, or a maximum of $750.
For more information about accessing EQIP funds or about transitioning to organic production, contact Florida Organic Growers at 352.377.6345 or email fog@foginfo.org.
RESOURCES
Directive from the Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service on the EQIP Organic Initiative
ATTRA-Accessing the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)
Organic Initiative for Conversion or Expansion
NRCS Service Center Contact Information