Delaware agricultural producers who are certified organic or transitioning to organic production may qualify for technical and financial assistance through a national organic initiative administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Applications for the first ranking period of 2015 are due at NRCS offices by March 20 for funding consideration during fiscal year 2015.
Organic producers can receive up to $20,000 per year or $80,000 over six years through the special organic funding. The assistance targets over two dozen core conservation practices, including planting cover crops, establishing integrated pest management plans, constructing seasonal high tunnels, and implementing nutrient management systems consistent with organic certification standards.
“This added opportunity will allow our organic growers to receive targeted assistance in protecting the environmental sustainability of their organic operations,” said NRCS State Conservationist Kasey Taylor.
Eligible producers include those certified through USDA’s National Organic Program, those transitioning to certified organic production, and those who meet organic standards but are exempt from certification because their gross annual organic sales are less than $5,000.
The Organic Initiative funding is provided through NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary conservation program that promotes farm production while improving environmental quality. Producers must meet all other eligibility requirements associated with EQIP to be eligible.
Under EQIP Organic Initiative contracts, historically underserved producers (including beginning, limited resource, socially disadvantaged and Veterans) may be eligible for increased financial assistance.
Producers interested in applying for the EQIP Organic Initiative funding can submit applications anytime to their local NRCS Service Center. In Sussex County, call 302-856-3990 x 3; in Kent County, call 302-741-2600 x 3; in New Castle County, call 302-832-3100 x 3, or visit Delaware NRCS online at www.de.nrcs.usda.gov.