By Ariane Lotti, NSAC

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has opened the 2010 sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative.

2010 Organic Initiative Snapshot:

• $50 million has been allocated for 2010;
• The sign-up is open through March 12, 2010;
• Existing certified organic farmers and farmers transitioning to organic production are eligible;
• Applicants who applied in 2009 and were deferred will receive a letter from NRCS with information about having their applications reconsidered in 2010;
• The Organic Initiative no longer has “6 core” practices and headquarters has provided guidance to states for how to select conservation practices for the Initiative; and
• The program payment rate for the Organic Initiative is 75% and, for historically underserved participants, 90%.

For more detailed information, visit our Organic Initiative webpage.