  |
 |
 |
 |
Connecticut Home
About Us
News
Programs
Technical Resources
Partnerships
Contact Us |
   |
|
|
|
Conservation Opportunities for Organic Farmers and Those Transitioning to Organic FarmingContact:
Joyce Purcell OverviewOrganic agriculture became one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture during the 1990s. According to USDA statistics, organic acreage in the United States has doubled, and consumption of organically produced products has increased 20 percent per year for the past decade. Today, 80 percent of organic products purchased on the market are fresh fruits and vegetables. The potential consumer demand for other organic products, like meat and processed foods, is wide open. Organic agriculture's importance was further solidified when the USDA implemented the first nationwide organic standards--the National Organic Standards--in 2002. All 50 states now have certified organic acreage for a total of 4 million acres of farmland. Connecticut has experienced gradual growth with a total of 186 farms and 1,485 acres used for organic production. Organic product sales in the state topped out at more than $6 million, according to the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Assistance AvailableFinancial Assistance The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) provides funding specifically to help organic farmers and those agricultural producers transitioning to organic farming. In Connecticut, more than $200,000 is available through a special allotment for organic farmers via the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Successful applicants will receive funding to implement six priority conservation practices designed to improve natural resource conditions. Not only do these practices offer significant environmental benefits, they are also important to growers. They include crop rotation, cover crop, nutrient management, pest management, prescribed grazing, and forage harvest management. Farmers who want to apply for financial assistance may receive up to $20,000/year and are limited to $80,000 over a six-year period. Conservation Planning AssistanceFor more than 70 years, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has placed a high priority on helping agricultural producers with conservation plans to meet their environmental and economic goals, while at the same time planning for the protection of the soil, water, air and wildlife resources. Conservation goals are highly individual and may include transitioning to organic agriculture (or boosting pollinator populations, increasing biodiversity including soil-borne organisms, enhancing water quality, controlling invasive species or dozens of other resource-enhancing possibilities). NRCS conservationists will come to your farm and work with you to develop a conservation plan based on your farm goals. The plan will specify a timeline to implement the conservation practices. Conservation planning assistance is free and does not require participation in financial programs. Producers maybe eligible for other conservation programs. ConfidentialityAll information provided to NRCS for conservation planning purposes is strictly confidential. How Do I Get Started?The first step is to visit your local USDA Service Center (below), speak with the NRCS District Conservationist and complete an application. (Application must be submitted by May 29, 2009, to be eligible for this year’s funding). What do I Bring with Me?If you are already certified:
If you are transitioning:
What if I Sell Under $5,000 a Year and Wish to Acquire Organic Certification?If producers who sell less than $5,000 a year wish to use EQIP to obtain organic certification, they may do so; however, they are required to implement conservation practices for certified organic production that are consistent with an Organic System Plan (OSP). The OSP is administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Payments are not authorized for activities or practice components which are solely production related and are not linked to an identified resource concern. Payments may not be used for any costs related to organic certification. Other Programs AvailableWhile most EQIP contracts pay producers 50-75% of the cost of structures or management, some producers may receive a larger percentage. The 2008 Farm Bill provides 90% of costs associated with conservation planning and implementation for socially disadvantaged or beginning farmers. NRCS administers a complete suite of conservation programs to improve and conserve natural resources, enhance wildlife habitat, and help people help the land. For more Information:Connecticut-specific information can be found at www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov. Agency information can be found at www.nrcs.usda.gov. Application period is May 11-29, 2009 USDA Service Centers in Connecticut
|
|
Back to Top