Ranking Period for Conservation Initiatives Announced

Connecticut State Conservationist for the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Jay Mar has announced the ranking dates for the On-Farm Energy, Organic, and Seasonal High Tunnel Conservation Initiatives. All offer technical and financial assistance through the agency’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

“Producers tell us they want to apply for these initiatives, but many want more time to make sure they choose the one that’s right for their operation,” Mar said. “Moving to multiple ranking dates will make it easier for producers to apply and begin implementing the practices they need to benefit natural resources.”

NRCS accepts applications for financial assistance on a continuous basis; however, there will be three ranking periods for the Organic, On-Farm Energy, and Seasonal High Tunnel Initiatives, all ending on February 3, March 30, and June 1, 2012. At the end of a period, NRCS ranks all submitted proposals for funding consideration. NRCS will notify applicants of the results and begin developing contracts with those selected.

Initiative Overview

• On-Farm Energy Initiative: NRCS and producers develop Agricultural Energy Management Plans (AgEMP) or farm energy audits that assess energy consumption on an operation. NRCS then uses audit data to develop energy conservation recommendations. Each AgEMP has a landscape component that assesses equipment and farming processes and a farm headquarters component that assesses power usage and efficiencies in livestock buildings, grain handling operations, and similar facilities to support the farm operation. On-Farm Energy Initiative Factsheet
• Organic Initiative: NRCS helps certified organic growers and producers working to achieve organic certification install conservation practices for organic production. This year, applicants will be evaluated continuously during the ranking periods. Applications meeting or exceeding a threshold score may be approved for a contract before the end of the ranking period. Applications rating below the score will be deferred to the next period. A new threshold score will be established at the beginning of each ranking period, allowing organic producers to implement conservation practices quicker. Organic Initiative Factsheet
• Seasonal High Tunnel Pilot Initiative: NRCS helps producers plan and implement high tunnels – steel-framed, polyethylene-covered structures – that extend growing seasons in an environmentally safe manner. High tunnel benefits include better plant and soil quality, fewer nutrients and pesticides in the environment, and better air quality due to fewer vehicles transporting crops. Through this initiative, more than 4,000 high tunnels have been planned and implemented nationwide over the past two years. Seasonal High Tunnel Factsheet

For more information, contact your local service center.

< Back to Homepage