The cut-off date for the 2010 Organic Initiative sign-up was last Friday, March 12, in most states.  At least eight states, however, have extended the 2010 sign-up period.  These include:

• Colorado:  April 16, 2010
• Illinois:  March 26, 2010
• Louisiana:  March 26, 2010
• Missouri:  March 19, 2010
• Nebraska:  April 1, 2010
• Nevada:  March 19, 2010
• Ohio:  March 19, 2010
• Rhode Island:  April 2, 2010

The Organic Initiative is administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and provides funds to organic and transitioning farmers to implement conservation practices consistent with National Organic Program practice standards.   The provision in the 2008 Farm Bill that created this initiative was a response to the growing recognition that organic systems provide conservation benefits, including improved soil quality, water quality, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity.

For more information about the Organic Initiative, visit our Organic Initiative information page.

If you have state-specific questions, get in touch with your state NRCS organic point-person.