2010 EQIP Organic Initiative

Apply by March 19, 2010 to be considered for funding in 2010.

News Release - February 11, 2010

2010 Organic Initiative

The 2010 EQIP Organic Initiative is a nationwide special initiative to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production.  Organic producers may also apply for assistance under general EQIP.

Definitions

Organic production—Production system managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and subsequent Federal regulations. Organic production systems respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.

Organic certification—Agricultural products grown and processed according to USDA's national organic standards and certified by a USDA-accredited State or private certification organization. Certifying agents review applications from farmers and processors for certification eligibility and qualified inspectors conduct annual onsite inspections of organic operations. Certifying agents determine whether operators are in compliance with organic production standards.

Organic Producers Only

The Organic Transition Support provision makes conservation practices related to organic production and transition eligible for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) payments, subject to a $20,000 annual limit and an $80,000 cap over a 6-year period.

Producers who are applying for EQIP assistance to transition to organic production will be required to submit a self-certification letter stating the applicant agrees:

1. To develop and implement conservation practices for certified organic production that are consistent with an organic system plan in accordance with provisions established in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill) and to standards established in the National Organic Programs (NOP) Act (7 U.S.C. Sections 6501-6522), and
2. Have contacted the following certifying agent to begin the process of transitioning to organic according to requirements of the National Organic Programs (NOP) Act (7 U.S.C. Sections 6501-6522).

Sample Self-certification letter (PDF; 9 Kb)

An Organic System Plan (OSP) means a management plan for organic production or for an organic handling operation that has been agreed to by the producer or handler and the certifying agent.  The OSP includes all written plans that govern all aspects of agricultural production or handling.

Am I eligible?

General EQIP eligibility criteria apply for organic producers.

What is available?

A number of conservation practices have been identified that may be of special interest to organic producers, including high tunnels.  All practices that are available as part of general EQIP are also open to organic and specialty crop growers. 

List of Eligible Practices

How do I apply?

Application signup is an ongoing process and can be done online or completed at your local USDA Service Center with NRCS.  The deadline for submitting applications to be ranked in fiscal year 2010 is March 19, 2010. 

EQIP Application Process

Questions and Answers

• What organic growers need to know about NRCS

• What conservationists need to know about organic growers

Organic Agriculture Web Resources

Program Contact:

Ta Trecia Wesley
Phone: 614-255-2467

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