NRCS Extends Sign-Up For Organic Farming, Ranching

NRCS Extends Sign-Up For Organic Farming, Ranching

May 22, 2009

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is extending the first sign-up to June 12 for farmers and ranchers applying for financial or technical assistance related to organic ag production, said Steve Chick State Conservationist for NRCS. Applications received by June 12 will be considered first, however, producers may continue to sign up after June 12.

"We have received a favorable response showing interest in organic farming or ranching from around the state, plus it's the busy planting season, so I decided to extend the application process for this initiative"� said Chick.

Over $1.8 million is available through the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program. This program is aimed at agricultural producers who have at least $1,000 of off-farm/ranch sales. This is a cost-share program and not a grant program. To be eligible, the producer is required to be pursing organic certification or already have an organic system plan.

The 2009 Organic Initiative is a nationwide special initiative to provide financial and technical assistance to National Organic Program certified organic producers as well as producers starting or transitioning to organic production.

For more information visit your NRCS office or the 2009 EQIP Organic Initiative USDA Web site.

Organic Farming Training

NRCS is also working to provide education to producers interested in farming organically. The Northeast Nebraska Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council at Plainview is hosting a free Organic Farming training session. It will be at the Community Building in Bloomfield 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.

NRCS News Release

 

 

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