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EQIP Organic Initiative
 

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 2009, NRCS in New Hampshire has more than $312,000 dedicated to the EQIP Organic Initiative.

Assistance is available for agricultural producers who are:

  • currently certified organic farmers

  • transitioning to certified organic production

Please contact your local NRCS Office to start the planning and application process.

General Program Information

  • 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. Click on the links to find out if you are eligible.

  • Participants will be reimbursed for part of the cost of installing conservation practices after the practices have been installed. Many participants choose to finance associated costs through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), or other private lending agencies. Beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers may be eligible to receive up to 30 percent of their NRCS payments in advance for purchasing materials or contracting.

  • You may sign up for this program at any time through your local NRCS office. Applications are accepted all year, but are reviewed in a competitive ranking process when funding becomes available - usually once each year. The cut-off date for applications ended on May 29, 2009. Applications for the next ranking period may be submitted anytime.

Benefits of the EQIP Organic Initiative - for the environment and your farm

EQIP Organic Initiative applicants are eligible for higher payment rates than standard EQIP program participants for the following six core conservation practices.

  • Conservation Crop Rotation
  • Cover Crop
  • Nutrient Management
  • Pest Management
  • Prescribed Grazing
  • Forage Harvest Management

NH NRCS is also offering assistance for variety of facilitating conservation practices, such as pasture hay planting, habitat establishment for pollinators and beneficial insects, watering systems, and fencing.

FY 2009 Documents

The following are the latest documents for the Fiscal Year 2009 EQIP Organic Initiative.  They require Adobe Acrobat.

2009 EQIP Organic Practice List

For More Information

National Organic Initiative Web Site
Find your local NRCS Office

NH Organic Contact

Brandon Smith, Resource Conservationist
(603) 868-7581

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