USDA NRCS LOUISIANA ANNOUNCES SIGN-UP FOR 2024 ORGANIC TRANSITION INITIATIVE

January 29, 2024 - The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Louisiana announces funding available for 2024 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) signup for the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI). Under this initiative, NRCS will dedicate financial and technical assistance to a new organic management standard. Producers must submit their applications by February 23, 2024, to be considered for FY24 funding.

While applications are accepted year-round, applications submitted after February 23, 2024, will be considered for the next available funding. 

NRCS will help producers adopt the new organic management standard, which allows flexibility for producers to get the assistance and education they need such as attending workshops or requesting help from experts or mentors. It supports conservation practices required for organic certification and may provide foregone income reimbursement for dips in production during the transition period. 

Applying for Assistance

Eligible producers include farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and other producers beginning or in the process of transitioning to organic certification. For more information or to sign up for this opportunity, contact the local USDA Service Center. 

Learn more about the Organic Transition Initiative online here. Contact your local USDA Service Center to apply for the program.