EQIP Organic Initiative
What is the Organic Initiative?
The Organic Initiative provides financial assistance to implement a broad set of conservation practices to assist organic producers in addressing resource concerns including, but not limited to assistance with:
- Developing a conservation plan
- Establishing buffer zones
- Planning and installing pollinator habitat
- Improving soil quality and organic matter while minimizing erosion
- Developing a grazing plan and supportive livestock practices
- Improving irrigation efficiency
- Enhancing cropping rotations and nutrient management
The EQIP Organic Initiative
This assistance helps producers plan and implement conservation practices to support the environmental sustainability of their organic operations. Some highlights of the organic provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill and requirements for participation in the program include:
- Financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices and planning to address resource concerns associated with organic operations
- Financial assistance is limited to totals of a maximum of $20,000 per fiscal year and no more than $80,000 over a rolling six year Farm Bill for ALL contracts approved through this authority
- Producers must meet all the other eligibility requirements associated with EQIP
- Participants who are not certified or exempt from certification agree to develop a work towards implementing an Organic System Plan (OSP) to meet NOP organic certification through USDA
Who can Apply
Each fiscal year, NRCS will focus financial and technical assistance through the EQIP Organic Initiative for eligible applicants and land. The applicant must demonstrate control of eligible land in agricultural production. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, and other farm or ranch lands. Applicants should use the following categories to identify their current or future production system.
Certified Organic
Certified organic producers shall provide NRCS with a copy of their USDA NOP Organic Certificate or proof of good standing from a USDA accredited certifying agent and certification must be maintained for the life of the EQIP contract.
Exempt from Certification of the National Organic Program (NOP)
Exempt producers who are selling less than $5,000 a year in organic agricultural products are exempt from NOP's certification. Exempt organic producers are eligible for the EQIP Organic Initiative provided that they self-certify their agreement to develop and implement an OSP.
Transitioning to Organic
Participants who are transitioning to organic production shall self-certify that they agree to develop and work toward implementing an Organic System Plan (OSP).
How to Apply for EQIP
New to NRCS?
If you are completely new to NRCS, please see Getting Started with NRCS.
Familiar with NRCS?
If you are more familiar with NRCS, contact your local NRCS field office for more details about eligibility requirements.
When to Apply
Applications for the EQIP Organic Initiative are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the fiscal year. However, State Conservationists may establish up to 8 evaluation periods for financial assistance programs. Evaluation periods may vary by initiative based on available funding by State.
Although EQIP supports a wide variety of conservation practices, not all practices are appropriate in all areas. Your local NRCS field office will have a list of the specific practices offered in your State as part of the Organic Initiative.
Brandon Bishop
Program Contact
Resource Conservationist - State Office
405-742-1232
Joe Buford
Technical Contact
Resource Conservationist - State Office
405-742-1282
