Of the new conservation options available in the new Farm Bill, one targets producers with organic operations and those ready to make the transition to organic. For these Illinois producers, now is the time to visit with the local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office and start the process before the January 15, 2010 sign-up deadline hits.

The new emphasis on benefits of “locally grown” food is based on increased consumer awareness and interest in agricultural products—meat and produce—certified as organic. More people and food production conglomerates demand organic food options. Just look at the organic food section at your grocery store—it’s getting bigger. The market is here.

For some, diversifying crops and moving away from a monoculture ag environment is not an option. For others, it might be a smart and profitable fit.

Take Dave Bishop, in Logan County with a 300-acre operation. He grows a variety of specialty crops, grazes cattle and raises poultry. Dave defines himself as an unconventional organic entrepreneur. He successfully made the switch to organic and keeps records to document and research what works on his ground and why.

Besides being blessed with a patient temperament, Dave relies heavily on the support of other organic producers and his local conservation team at the USDA Service Center.

“You don’t ‘go organic’ overnight,” Dave explains. “It’s called a transition because it takes time. You’re changing the basic elements in your soil and changing the way you manage nearly every single aspect of your operation—that takes at least five to seven years to do it right.”

Because it’s not something you do solo, he offers some advice on how to tap into the help and guidance that’s out there, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

EQIP now offers conservation technical help and financial assistance for organic operators. Just like traditional ag operations, smaller venues and organic farms, in particular, face their share of natural resource problems. Often, the solutions needed are more complex and labor-intensive because regular “fixes” are not an option.

Illinois producers who contemplate getting into new organic market trends or those who are already organic who need help with specific erosion or management issues, can now add NRCS and new Organic options of EQIP to their “to do” list.

Illinois NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle says NRCS’ specialists and new EQIP options can address the needs of organic growers—control soil erosion, manage nutrients, improve water quality or wildlife. “With NRCS and EQIP, you can ensure your productivity and sustainability and make it work,” Gradle adds.

Another Illinois organic success story is the Glazik family’s 400-acre “Cow Creek Farm” in Ford County, IL. This operation is located near the start of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River.

As of January 1, 2010, 100% Glazik’s ground is certified organic cropland. The rest is in pasture, natural areas, and other conservation practices, including trees. Glazik’s row crops are in a long and healthy rotation—corn, beans, wheat, oats, and pasture—good for the soil AND the livestock.

Using years of experience, guidance from others, and technical assistance of USDA, NRCS, and a variety of other state and federal conservation programs, Glazik plans to explore even more options through the new Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and EQIP as he pursues a grazing management plan and use of a rotational grazing system.

“We have a special and diverse farm here,” Glazik explains. “It’s dynamic. It’s always changing. Organic farms are complex because we constantly find new issues that require new and innovative solutions. But, that’s part of the joy behind our organic farm—every single day is different and every day we learn something new.”

While EQIP sign-up is continuous, NRCS reminds producers that deadlines for submitting applications are approaching fast—January 15th—so don’t put it off too long. Visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov to see the new EQIP Organic Initiative factsheet or stop by your county USDA Service Center and visit with your District Conservationist to get all the details.