2012 Organic Program Initiative

Through the EQIP Organic Initiative, NRCS provides assistance to eligible producers for installation of conservation practices on agricultural operations related to organic production. NRCS has determined that this definition includes certified organic producers and producers who are transitioning to become certified organic. Eligible applicants also include producers who fall under the exemption category in the National Organic Program (NOP) regulation. Producers that sell agricultural products as “organic” but whose gross agricultural income from organic sales totals $5,000 or less are exempt from certification. Additional information about the NOP and organic certification requirements administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/nop. Approved 2012 land uses include cropland, headquarters, pasture and rangelands.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative Deadline is February 3, 2012 for the first funding cycle.  The organic initiative opportunity is offered state wide and applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Offered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for the fourth year, the EQIP Organic Initiative is available for farmers who are certified organic, transitioning to certified organic, or organic exempt according to USDA’s National Organic Program regulations. The national ranking deadline for the second sign-up is March 30, 2012. Applications received after March 30, 2012 will be ranked in the next funding group, which will be June 1, 2012.

Experimenting with cover crops and crop rotations, installing intensive grazing infrastructure (grazing plans, internal fencing, walkways, water lines), establishing wildlife and pollinator friendly habitat, and installing seasonal high tunnels are examples of conservation practices for which funding may be available under this program. In addition, Colorado offers Conservation Activity Plans that support conservation planning for organic agriculture.

Contact your local NRCS office soon to meet with your conservation planning technician and determine which practices could enhance your farming operation.

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2012 Organic Screening Worksheet

2012 EQIP Correlation Matrix compares National Organic Program requirements to NRCS resource concerns and conservation practices. Use the Matrix to consider which practice(s) you can install to maintain your organic certification.

EQIP Sign-up Information On-Line