Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Support for Organic Growers

2012 EQIP Organic Initiative Information

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CCC-1200 Application (33KB)
2012 Ranking Information by Conservation District
2012 EQIP Organic Payment Schedule (25 KB)

Introduction

Offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for the third year, the EQIP Organic Initiative is a special pool of money offered in all 50 states for farmers who are organic, transitioning to organic, or organic exempt with unique practices and payments determined by each individual state.

Many individual practices under this Organic Initiative have higher payments than regular EQIP, in recognition of the higher cost of organic seeds or fertilizers in an organic system. All states offer Conservation Activity Planning for the Transition to Organic. The Transition plan provides a road map for future conservation cost-share activities to enhance organic agriculture on each farm.

NRCS staff have had training to help organic farmers access this opportunity for financial assistance of up to $80,000. Experimenting with new cover crops and crop rotations, installing intensive grazing infrastructure (grazing plans, internal fencing, walkways, water lines), establishing wildlife and pollinator friendly habitat, and high tunnels are examples of potential practices available for funding under this program.

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

Contact Person	Title	Telephone Number	e-mail Address
William P. O'Donnell	ASTC-Programs	304-284-7543	Bill.Odonnell@wv.usda.gov

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