organic

Now is the time to apply for the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative. USDA has again allocated $50 million for this program, which serves certified organic growers and those transitioning to organic farming systems. The program provides financial and technical assistance to growers to implement conservation practices relevant to organic agriculture. Interested producers have until March 12, 2010 to sign up for the 2010 program. To sign up, visit your USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) local service center.

Additional information on eligibility is listed at the EQIP Organic Initiative Resource Page.

Payments
Producers who receive EQIP Organic Initiative contracts with NRCS are paid 75 percent of the cost for the organic conservation measures they implement. Beginning, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged producers (those considered “historically underserved” by the USDA) are paid up to 90 percent. The program provides up to $20,000 per year with a maximum total of $80,000 over six years.

March 12 is the last day to submit your application for this year’s funding. The process can be complicated, so we urge you to start now.

More Information
OFRF has updated information about the 2010 EQIP Organic Initiative, including application instructions, criteria for applying, information about the practices and payment schedules, and a list of organizations that assist growers in their state, on our EQIP Organic Initiative Resource Page. This page will be updated as needed, so check back frequently.

Organic and transitioning producers can also apply for the regular EQIP, which funds on-farm conservation activities, but not specifically related to organic farming systems. This program has higher payment limits, but the application process is much more competitive due to the larger number of applicants. The 2010 ranking cutoff date for the regular EQIP may have passed in your state – check your state’s NRCS website for more information.

Senate Agriculture & Conservation Committee Creates Subcommittee to Study Solutions to Chemical Drift Problem in Illinois

Following 4 1/2 hours of testimony Wednesday, the state Senate Committee on Agriculture and Conservation found enough credible concern with farm chemical drift to create a subcommittee on the topic—the Agriculture and Conservation Subcommittee on Fertilizers and Chemicals.

Sen. David Koehler, D-Peoria, was named chairman of the new committee. Koehler said his committee will research Maine's new mandatory registration and notification law regarding aerial application of farm chemicals

The hearing attracted nearly 100 people from both organic, sustainable and conventional farming and chemical manufacturers and lobbyists. In addition to oral testimony, volumes of written testimony were submitted.  Illinois Stewardship Alliance’s new policy coordinator attended the hearing and presented oral testimony on the need to protect the rights of a growing sector of small business in Illinois, organic and diversified farmers.

ISA plans to remain involved with the legislative process as the Agriculture and Conservation Subcommittee on Fertilizers and Chemicals explores various solutions to the chemical drift problem in Illinois. ISA looks forward to working with all stakeholders in order reach a solution that is acceptable to all parties while protecting the rights of organic and small diversified farmers to have chemical free farms or to control the application of agriculture chemicals to their farms.

For more information on the hearing click here.