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SPECIAL INITIATIVE SIGN-UP FOR ORGANIC PRODUCERS

May 5, 2009

For More Information:
Carrie Mosley, 406-587-6967

Bozeman--Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) officials in Montana announce a special 3-week sign-up period for an Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), special initiative providing financial and technical assistance to help with conservation practices for organic producers or those transitioning to organic production.

“Organic farming is one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture” says Montana State Conservationist Joyce Swartzendruber, “This initiative helps producers plan and implement conservation practices to allow their organic operations to be environmentally sustainable.”

A special sign-up period has been established. Applications from producers wanting to participate will be accepted under this initiative between May 11 and May 29. Applications will be ranked at that time. A new organic provision in the 2008 Farm Bill sets aside funding to help organic producers and producers transitioning to organic production:

  • Obtain assistance for conservation practices related to organic production.
  • Limits assistance to $20,000 per year and $80,000 during a six year period.
  • Requires producers to develop and carry out an organic system plan or carry out practices consistent with an organic system plan.
  • Producers transitioning must be working with an organic certifying agency. Producers must be pursuing an organic certification or be in compliance with organic certification.

The following examples of EQIP assistance that may help those engaged in organic farming:

  • Assistance in implementing an Integrated Pest Management Plan.
  • Assistance installing interior fencing and water for rotational grazing systems.
  • Assistance implementing conservation practices tailored to the producer’s operation.

For Montana eligibility information and application forms visit your nearest NRCS field office or see Montana Organic Production EQIP Special Initiative.

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