USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service is providing $75 million in conservation assistance for producers transitioning to organic production.
NRCS said $70 million will go to help farmers adopt a new organic management standard under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Producers can get help meeting the standard by attending workshops and receiving advice from experts.
Farmers, ranchers, forest landowners and other producers are eligible to apply at their local USDA service center. State-specific deadlines will be released later this year.
Another $5 million will fund seven new positions – including six organic technical specialists and one organic researcher – through five-year agreements. The group will focus on developing regional networks, supporting USDA staff and hosting hands-on training.
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“By strengthening our technical proficiency and providing technical and financial assistance through new tools and practices, we can better support producers through the challenges of organic transition,” said NRCS Chief Terry Crosby.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service and Risk Management Agency will collaborate with NRCS to continue supporting the $300 million organic transition initiative.
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