Sign up for EQIP funds for organic ag

Washington Ag Today May 18, 2009 Washington agricultural producers transitioning to organic production or already certified as organic, may qualify for technical and financial assistance through a new initiative from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. More than $1 million in funding will be available to eligible producers in Washington as part of the agency’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program or EQIP.

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan says the department is increasing the standard payment rate by up to 60 percent for six core practices.

Merrigan: “There are six core practices that have been identified for this organic EQIP money; conservation crop rotation, cover crops, nutrient management, pest management, prescribed grazing and forage harvest management. So for example if I am a farmer and I am trying to transition to organic, or I am an organic farmer and I want to transition some new fields to organic production, I might really appreciate some help from the federal government for cover crops, which is a core organic practice. It is good stewardship for any farmer, where you are protecting your soil and enriching your soil through cover crops. A lot of times these cover crops you are not going to be able harvest and sell for money but you are doing it for environmental enhancement and that‘s where the feds want to help you.”

The Washington State NRCS office says there an additional 20 practices that can qualify for funding in Washington. Producers must submit applications by May 29th to be included in the initial ranking for funding.

I’m Bob Hoff and that’s Washington Ag Today on the Northwest Ag Information Network.