Organic EQIP

 The USDA announced a new initiative to encourage more organic agriculture production. As part of the new Organic Initiative, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will have a special sign-up period for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to implement conservation practices related to organic agriculture. The application period is open until May 29.

 EQIP is a competitive program reauthorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. “There was language in there that NRCS would provide assistance through the EQIP Program to those producers who are transitioning to organic production as well as those producers who are already certified as organic.”  That’s USDA Spokesman Mark Weatherstone.

 To be eligible for EQIP support for organic operations, the 2008 Farm Bill requires producers to develop and carry out an Organic System Plan.  These plans must be approved and registered by the Idaho Department of Agriculture or a USDA accredited certifier. Funds are available to producers that are pursuing organic certification or are in compliance with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.

 For more information, contact the USDA Service Center in your local area or go to our website aginfo.net for a link.                       http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/