FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2009
For More Information Contact: Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606
                                                 

USDA PROVIDES CONSERVATION FUNDS & OPPORTUNITIES FOR ORGANIC PRODUCERS
$50 Million in Funding Available Nationwide

Champaign, IL — Speaking yesterday to the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced that $50 million will support a new national initiative for farmers transitioning to organic agriculture or those who currently are certified organic to receive special assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This effort strives to meet conservation goals under new provisions in the 2008 Farm Bill. Here in Illinois, nearly $1.2 million will be available for eligible producers. Applications will be accepted between May 11 and May 29.

The initiative will be administered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which administers EQIP and will set aside a separate pool of money to help organic farmers and those in transition to organic production. While EQIP has always been available for organic producers to treat resource concerns on their land, provisions of the new Farm Bill permit specific funds to be set aside to assist organic producers in natural resource protection strategies on the farm.

Applications for EQIP are taken continuously throughout the year; however, to be considered for this special sign-up and use fiscal year 2009 funds, producers must submit a signed application to their local NRCS office by May 29, 2009.

Bill Gradle, NRCS State Conservationist in Illinois, says Organic EQIP applicants must agree to implement certain “core” conservation practices in order to qualify. Core practices are: Conservation Crop Rotation; Cover Crops; Nutrient Management; Pest Management; Prescribed Grazing; and Forage Harvest Management. Illinois NRCS will consider using any appropriate practice that meets a resource concern on a particular operation. Most conservation practices available under "General" EQIP options are also available under the new Organic EQIP.

“Because organic operations often require increased costs and expenses, EQIP payments for organic core practices will be enhanced a bit,” Gradle explains. NRCS hopes these funds and incentives motivate producers to embrace and adopt conservation solutions on organic farms. EQIP payments may not exceed $20,000 per year or $80,000 in any six year period.

Some participants are eligible to receive a higher payment rate; those are limited resource farmers, beginning farmers, and socially disadvantaged groups. For more information, go to www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/SLB_Farmer/ or visit your local NRCS office. For more information about NRCS options, visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov.

Possible Side Bar: USDA Surveys Organics

This spring, USDA will conduct its first nationwide-scale survey of organic farming in an effort to determine how organic production is changing the face of U.S. agriculture. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called the survey “…an opportunity for organic producers to share their voices and help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of organic farming in the United States.”

The 2007 Census of Agriculture counted more than 20,000 U.S. farms engaged in organic production. The survey covers many aspects of organic farms during calendar year 2008, including production and marketing practices, to income and expenses.

“USDA hopes to gain a clear picture of how popular organic operations are in Illinois, what type of operations and crops we find here, and what conservation needs exist our there,” adds Illinois NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle.

Survey results will be used to help design farm policy and funding allocations. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail the survey in early May to known organic producers, who are asked to respond by June 17. Results will be published in the winter. For information about the survey, visit www.agcensus,usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540.

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