The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) set aside $50 million nationally for a new organic initiative. Despite the short three week sign up, all set aside money will be obligated to fund the use of conservation crop rotations, cover crops, integrated pest management, nutrient management, rotational grazing and forage harvest management.

Last May the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) rolled out the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative, setting aside $50 million nationally. The sign up was originally slated to last three weeks, with some states extending an additional couple of weeks.

Considering the short sign-up window, along with it landing during planting season for most, we were skeptical the full $50 million could be used. But to our great surprise, demand was strong and the entire set aside will be obligated.

At press time the top 10 states in applications were Wisconsin, Iowa, California, Oregon, Minnesota, Washington, Pennsylvania, New York, Nebraska and Georgia.

This organic initiative aims to assist farmers and ranchers in the process of converting to organic, producers expanding their organic production, or existing organic farmers or ranchers increasing their environmental performance even more.

Under the initiative, farmers can receive compensation for six core conservation practices at higher payment rates than available under regular EQIP (as noted in parentheses):

Conservation Crop Rotation (34% higher) – growing several different crops in a planned sequence on the same field.

Cover Cropping (46% higher) – crops such as grasses, legumes, and forbs planted for seasonal cover to prevent erosion and build soil health.

Integrated Pest Management (60% higher) – environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices.

Nutrient Management (30% higher) – developing and implementing a plan to ensure proper application and utilization of soil amendments such as manure.

Rotational Grazing (2% higher) – managing grazing herds by rotating them through paddock systems rather than allowing them to graze an entire pasture continuously.

Forage Harvest Management (2% higher) – properly managing the cutting and removal of forage crops to optimize quality and promote vigorous plant re-growth.

We are looking forward to even greater demand next year for this initiative. And remember, farmers and ranchers can sign up at anytime, but the application will not be ranked until next fiscal year when NRCS obligates another set aside.

Also, the Conservation Stewardship Program is to be rolled out this month. Please, stay tuned for more information.

Contact: Traci Bruckner, tracib@cfra.org or 402.687.2103 x 1016 to learn more about this and other federal farm bill programs and our Farm Bill Guide.