USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Joyce Swartzendruber reminds potential applicants to contact their local NRCS office soon to apply for the agency’s Organic Initiative. Applications for the final ranking period of 2012 are due at NRCS offices by close of business on June 1, 2012.
“Part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Organic Initiative offers a wide array of conservation practices specifically designed for organic production,” Swartzendruber said. “Practices will help the selected applicants meet many requirements of their USDA Organic System Plans and stay in compliance with USDA’s National Organic Program.”
Nationwide, NRCS has nearly $50 million in financial and technical assistance available to certified organic producers, those who want to make the transition to organic production and producers who sell less than $5,000 in organic products annually.
The top five Organic Initiative conservation practices are cover crops, nutrient and pest management, seasonal high tunnels, crop rotation and fencing.
Changes for 2012 include a threshold ranking score that can speed up approval for qualified applicants, required conservation practices that promote the consistent use of those practices, and an expanded list of conservation activity plans.
Learn more about the Organic Initiative at http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/.
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