Agricultural News
March 12 Deadline Looms for Organic EQIP Money
Fri, 05 Mar 2010 7:20:06 CST
Ron Hilliard, State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oklahoma announced $1.5 Million of funding in Oklahoma to provide financial assistance for certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production. This assistance will be provided through the Organic Initiative of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, but only those received by March 12, 2010, will be considered for funding in 2010.
The Organic Initiative gives financial and technical help for producers of all commodities meet their conservation goals. The assistance from the NRCS helps producers plan and implement conservation practices to allow their organic operations to be environmentally sustainable. The Organic initiative offers cost share assistance for a variety of practices to assist producers in addressing resource concerns on their property.
This year the program includes funds for Seasonal High Tunnel Houses. Oklahoma is involved in a three year study to verify if high tunnels are effective in reducing pesticide use, keeping vital nutrients in the soil, extending the growing season and providing other benefits to growers. Made of ribs of plastic or metal pipe, covered with a layer of plastic sheeting, high tunnels are easy to build, maintain and move. High tunnels may provide a significant advantage to owners of small farms, limited resource farmers and organic producers. This program will give growers the opportunity to address existing resource concerns such as soil and plant condition while providing the added benefit of expanding the season for locally grown crops
EQIP primarily provides financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices addressing soil, water, air, plant, animal and energy resources. All practices offered through EQIP and compatible with organic operations are also offered through the organic initiative. Some of these practices include; alley cropping, brush management, forage harvest management, prescribed grazing, and pest management. NRCS provides all services and programs in a nondiscriminatory manner.
For more information on available practices and application procedures, click here.
You may also visit or call your local NRCS office.
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