Source:  USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, 4/11/11

North Carolina organic producers and those transitioning to organic farming now have a second opportunity to qualify for available funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative. Applications must be received by May 20, 2011 to be considered for available funding. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the initiative.

A number of "core" organic conservation practices may be funded through the initiative including cover crops, conservation crop rotation, prescribed grazing, nutrient management, seasonal high tunnel and much more.  All conservation practices offered under "general" EQIP applicable to organic production are also available through the EQIP Organic Initiative including, but not limited to, fence and watering facilities for rotational grazing, erosion control practices, field borders, etc.

Applicants who are currently certified organic will need to include their organic system plan (OSP) reviewed by a USDA accredited organic certifier when applying for financial assistance in the EQIP Organic Initiative.  Applicants who are transitioning to organic will need to submit a self-certification form to the NRCS acknowledging that they agree to develop and implement conservation practices for certified organic production that are consistent with an organic system plan.  The self-certification form may be obtained from any NRCS Service Center.

For more information on NRCS, EQIP Organic Initiative, conservation planning and other NRCS programs contact your local NRCS Service Center, or visit us on the Web at www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov.