NRCS Extends Sign-Up for New Organic Conservation Initiative to June 26

Maryland Media Liaison:

Carol Hollingsworth, 443-482-2902

Annapolis, MD, May 27, 2009 --- The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maryland has extended the application period for the new Organic Initiative under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to June 26, 2009. NRCS Maryland received $376,000 in financial assistance funds under the initiative.

Farmers interested in this program need to contact their local NRCS office right away to begin the application process. Although NRCS accepts program applications on a continuous basis, only applications received by June 26, 2009 will be considered for funding under this special EQIP Organic Initiative.

The 2009 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. There are six core practices eligible through this initiative. They are Conservation Crop Rotation; Cover Crop; Nutrient Management; Pest Management; Prescribed Grazing; and Forage Harvest Management. Additional conservation practices will also be eligible under the EQIP Organic Initiative. Interested producers should visit their nearest USDA Service Center to determine eligibility. When farmers come into NRCS offices to apply, they should bring proof of farm ownership or control of the land and their farm’s Organic System Plan.

Additional information on the 2009 EQIP Organic Initiative is available at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/organic/index.html .

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