The Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative

General InformationUSDA is allocating $50 million of funds through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to be set aside for a new Organics Initiative to assist organic farmers and those transitioning to organic. Current organic producers and those transitioning to organic will be eligible to receive contracts for implementing conservation practices and conservation planning under the program, but they’ll have to act fast. Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, May 11, 2009.To ensure consideration for assistance from this pool of funds, producers must file an EQIP Organic Initiative application no later than May 29.
The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is administering the EQIP Organic Initiative. To apply, producers should visit their local NRCS Service Center. Use the NRCS Service Center locator to find the one closest to you - offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs.
Update: NRCS has required each state office to appoint an organic point person. To find out your state's organic point person and his/her contact info, download the NRCS Organic State Contact list (PDF).
The NRCS has created a webpage with information about the Organic Initiative. The site explains the eligibility requirements and provides guidance on how to participate and resources on organic production - www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/organic/
According to the NRCS, the states in the chart below have extended the deadline to apply for the EQIP Organic Initiative past May 29th. States not listed in this chart will still continue to accept applications, but may not be able to fund them in 2009. This chart is continually being updated, so please check back.
State
New Deadline
State
New Deadline
Alabama
6/5/09
Mississippi
6/12/09
Alaska
6/12/09
Montana
6/12/09
Arkansas
6/26/09
Nebraska
6/12/09
California
6/26/09
Nevada
6/12/09
Colorado
6/12/09
New York
6/12/09
Connecticut
6/12/09
North Carolina
6/5/09
Delaware
6/26/09
North Dakota
6/15/09
Florida
6/12/09
Ohio
6/12/09
Georgia
6/5/09
Oklahoma
6/12/09
Hawaii
6/15/09
Oregon
6/12/09
Indiana
continuous
Pacific Basin
6/15/09
Iowa
6/13/09
Pennsylvania
6/12/09
Kentucky
6/12/09
South Carolina
6/5/09
Louisiana
6/12/09
South Dakota
6/12/09
Maine
6/12/09
Utah
6/12/09
Maryland
6/26/09
West Virginia
6/12/09
Massachusetts
6/12/09
Virginia
6/30/09
Minnesota
6/30/09
Wisconsin
6/12/09