By Elisha Smith, Center for Rural Affairs

Farmers who are transitioning to organic farming and those already conducting organic practices now have an opportunity to apply for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) money to assist their organic efforts.

The USDA recently announced that $50 million out of $1 billion EQIP funds will be set aside for a special three-week sign-up for farms converting to organic production or expanding their organic production. Those with existing organic farms who desire to reach even higher levels of environmental performance are also eligible.

The sign-up period begins Monday, May 11 and goes through Friday, May 29. Farmers can receive compensation for six core conservation practices (conservation crop rotation, cover cropping, integrated pest management, nutrient management, rotational grazing, and forage harvest management) under the program. These are available on a nationwide basis. Farmers who want to apply for these funds should visit their local District County Natural Resource Conservation Service office.

“We commend NRCS and USDA leadership for listening to the concerns of organic farmers and applaud their new initiative,” commented Traci Bruckner, Center for Rural Affairs. “It’s unfortunate though that farmers have a very small window of only three weeks to sign up for the program and it’s during the busiest time for farmers – the middle of planting season.”

According to Bruckner, the Center for Rural Affairs is gearing up to help producers as much as possible during this short application window. The Center is operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call in and receive assistance in accessing new conservation programs like the EQIP organic initiative.

“The Center for Rural Affairs has a long history of assisting family farmers and ranchers to access new conservation programs,” added Bruckner. “Through our helpline you will get to speak to a real person who is knowledgeable about the program rules to help you understand how to participate in the program.” Producers can call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline.

The EQIP organic initiative assistance is not the only program covered by the Center’s Farm Bill Helpline. Assistance is also available for the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Cooperative Conservation Partnerships Initiative, the Value Added Agricultural Market Development Program and a host of Beginning Farmer and Rancher provisions.