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Oklahoma NRCS Announces EQIP Organic Initiative Availability for 2010 | Oklahoma NRCS

Oklahoma NRCS Announces EQIP Organic Initiative Availability for 2010

STILLWATER, OKLA., Feb. 26, 2010 � State Conservationist Ron Hilliard announced $1.5 million of funding in Oklahoma to provide financial assistance to certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production. This assistance will be provided through the Organic Initiative of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, but only those received by March 12, 2010, will be considered for funding in 2010.

Organic farming is one of the fastest growing segments in U.S. agriculture. The assistance from the NRCS helps producers plan and implement conservation practices to allow their organic operations to be environmentally sustainable. The initiative offers cost share assistance for a variety of practices to assist producers in addressing resource concerns on their property.

This year the program includes funds for seasonal high tunnel houses. Oklahoma is involved in a three-year study to verify if high tunnels are effective in reducing pesticide use, keeping vital nutrients in the soil, extending the growing season and providing other benefits to growers. Made of ribs of plastic or metal pipe, covered with a layer of plastic sheeting, high tunnels are easy to build, maintain and move. High tunnels may provide a significant advantage to owners of small farms, limited resource farmers and organic producers. This program will give growers the opportunity to address existing resource concerns such as soil and plant condition while providing the added benefit of expanding the season for locally grown crops.

EQIP primarily provides financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices addressing soil, water, air, plant, animal and energy resources. All practices offered through EQIP and compatible with organic operations are also offered through the organic initiative. Some of these practices include alley cropping, brush management, forage harvest management, prescribed grazing, and pest management. For more information on available practices and application procedures, visit theStatewide Organic Initiative website, or contact your nearest NRCS Field Service Center.

NRCS is an equal opportunity provider and employer. All programs and services of NRCS are provided in a nondiscriminatory manner. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.