University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

November 21, 2006

Going organic? Learn the steps involved and the support mechanisms available

The Center for Rural Affairs, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and the Loess Hills Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Office will host an organic transition information meeting 1-4 p.m. December 5. It will be held at the Loess Hills RC&D office, 408 North Oakland Ave, Oakland. To register, call (402) 685-5175.

NRCS staff will explain the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) application and program process while a local organic farmer will address organic farming concepts, requirements and practices.

“At a time of record high farm inputs, this program can help farmers and ranchers enter the higher value markets,” said Martin Kleinschmit, sustainable agriculture specialist with the Center for Rural Affairs.

The NRCS has added an Organic Transition Incentives Program to EQIP to provide financial incentives for farmers and ranchers to convert cropland and pasture to certified organic status. The program authorizes an annual payment of $50 per acre for three years, for up to 160 acres of cropland. The pasture payment is $10 per acre on a maximum of 320 acres. Operators can apply for either or both programs. Since EQIP allows for more local control to meet local needs, some details of the program may vary between counties and Natural Resource Districts. The first application deadline for the 2007 growing season is January 31, 2007 at your local NRCS office.

For producers to sell products in the organic market, farmers and ranchers must comply with certain restrictions and rules known as the National Organic Rule. The biggest obstacle for many farmers and ranchers is the 36-month transition period, where no unauthorized inputs can be applied, yet the product does not qualify for the organic premiums. Transition to organic production is much more than adding a single practice. It is about changing the production system. To provide local expertise and instruction, applicants to the Organic Incentive Program can participate in a three-year education program sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs, designed to provide detailed information on what is required to certify organic and the practices needed to qualify.

The EQIP program provides financial incentives to offset possible financial risks, from yield reductions, or lender/landlord agreements during the transition phase. Incentives can also help offset expenses for additional machinery and facilities not now a part of many conventional farms’ portfolio such as additional tillage or weed control equipment, storage facilities, and equipment needed to manage a more diverse crop mixture.

For details on the National Organic Program (NOP) rules, visit the USDA’s home page at www.usda.gov, click on “Agriculture”, then "Organic Certification." For more information on the NRCS EQIP Program, contact your local NRCS office.

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Copyright 2006 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. All rights reserved.
Published by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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