NRCS Accepting Applications Until April 7 To Help Farmers Transition to Organic Farming

Maryland Media Liaison:

Carol Hollingsworth, 443-482-2902

Annapolis, MD, March 28, 2006 ---Virginia (Ginger) L. Murphy, State Conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maryland, announced that she is extending the application period through April 7, 2006 for $451,235 in conservation funding through the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program.  AMA helps mitigate a farmer’s risk of transitioning to organic production and its related water quality concerns such as sedimentation, nutrients, soil quality, and pesticides. 

“With the increasing consumer interest in organic products, I want to make sure that Maryland’s farmers have enough time to learn about AMA’s benefits and submit an application at their local field office,” said Murphy. 

The sign-up period will now close on April 7 when applications will be evaluated and ranked according to environmental benefits.  If AMA funds are still available after this evaluation process, NRCS will reopen the application period.  Interested farmers should immediately contact their local USDA Service Center (NRCS or Soil Conservation District Office) for more information on eligible conservation practices, the application process, and receiving conservation assistance. 

Farmers currently certified for organic production can apply for AMA funds to assist them in transitioning additional acres into organic agriculture production.  Farmers can receive up to 75 percent financial cost share assistance on eligible agronomic and cultural practices that are necessary to the successful transition to organic production.  Limited Resource and Beginning Farmers transitioning to organic agriculture production are encouraged to participate in AMA.

“Depending on the management system selected, farmers can receive financial assistance between $200 and $350 per acre based on actual expenses for soil building practices such as fall and summer cover crop plantings and the required maintenance activities to bring nutrients up to recommended levels“ said Murphy.  “This will insure that the long term soil building rotations get off to a great start.  Financial assistance is also available to plant farmscapes and specialized buffers for habitat sites for beneficial insects, birds, and bats.”

NRCS is working in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), Maryland Cooperative Extension, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service to provide financial and technical assistance to farmers transitioning to organic production.  NRCS has leadership responsibility for implementing AMA.

Eligible practices include:

• Cover crop plantings (such as hairy vetch or rye) for residue and nitrogen production as part of a long term crop rotation,
• Planting hay in a long term crop rotation, including necessary amendments,
• Development of rotational grazing systems that recycle nutrients and enhance the environment,
• Management and establishments costs for seed, planting management and fencing systems for organic pasture livestock production,
• Pest management and scouting inspections,
• Establishing field buffers to isolate and create habitat for beneficial insects for vegetables, row crops and other organic crops, and
• Other practices as identified by professionals trained in certified organic production.

AMA applicants will be ranked based on the development of a sustainable crop rotation that protects the resource base and enhances management of an organic system.  Multiple year contracts will be ranked and funded based on likely soil quality improvement and soil and water quality outcomes of the proposed management systems not on farm size.  Contracts are limited to $50,000 per year up to $150,000 per contract. 

Landowners can learn more about AMA and other Farm Bill Programs by contacting NRCS Maryland offices or by visiting the NRCS Maryland homepage at www.md.nrcs.usda.gov.