Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now offering technical and financial assistance for conservation practices related to organic production through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative. In 2010, NRCS in New Hampshire has more than $280,115 dedicated to the EQIP Organic Initiative. Applications can be submitted year round, to be considered for the next ranking, your application must be received by March 12, 2010. Assistance is available for agricultural producers who are:
-currently certified organic farmers
-transitioning to certified organic production
Individuals, groups, and entities who own or manage certified organic operations or operations that are transitioning to certified organic are eligible to apply.  Contracts can last from 2 to 10 years. Payments are limited to $20,000 per participant annually or $80,000 over a 6 year period. There is no minimum acreage requirement to apply for EQIP, however, projects that address significant resource concerns are more likely to receive funding. Beginning, socially disadvantaged, and limited-resource farmers may be eligible for higher payment rates. Applications are accepted all year but are reviewed in a competitive ranking process when funding becomes available - usually once each year. Please contact your [1] local NRCS office or [2] conservation district to start the planning and application process.

For More Information
National Organic Initiative Web site  [3] http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Programs/eqip/organic/index.html

NH Organic Contact
Brandon Smith, Resource Conservationist
(603) 868-7581