Organic initiative boosts Carolina production

Organic grain production in the upper Southeast got a big boost from the Organic Initiative in the 2008 farm bill. As organic production continues to increase in the Southeast, growers are urged to take advantage of incentive programs and to be aware of the upcoming March 12 deadline for EQIP funding, via NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP.


North Carolina and Virginia are among the top states in organic crop production in the South, especially in areas in which tobacco production has declined. For those growers the deadline is coming March 12 to sign up for the NRCS Organic Initiative, which is administered via the agency’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

The Initiative was included in the 2008 farm bill to provide incentives for organic growers. It can provide up to $20,000 per year and $80,000 over six years to help farmers transitioning to organic production.

A number of “core” organic conservation practices may be funded through the Organic Initiative, including cover crops, conservation crop rotation, prescribed grazing, pest management, nutrient management, and forage harvest management.

All conservation practices offered under “general” EQIP are also available through the Organic Initiative, including, but not limited, to fence and watering facilities for rotational grazing, erosion control practices, field borders, etc.

EQIP was reauthorized in the 2008 farm bill. Although applications for EQIP funding can be made throughout the year, to be considered for 2010, these applications must be submitted to the grower’s local National Resource Conservation Service office by March 12. Lire la suite…

Source : South East Fram Press