New NRCS help for organic conversion; Farmer signup needed by Dec. 31

The 2008 Farm Bill has a new policy to support farmers converting land and livestock to organic status. This financial and technical support will be part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a USDA conservation effort which incentivizes improved environmental performance on farms and ranches. EQIP is managed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  Farmers and ranchers are eligible for up to $20,000 per year with a limit of $80,000 over six years for an expanded list of conservation and ecological practices tied to organic conversion—including pollinator plantings, additional cover crops, biodiversity enhancement and expanded organic acreage.

Note: Producers who want to participate in EQIP during 2009 must register with NRCS and fill out a preliminary application by December 31, or sooner. Check with your local USDA Service Center to find out the deadline. Producers who have never applied for an NRCS program need to make an appointment with their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to get into their system. Full story: Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF)