Organic Farming Given Funding

U.S. Department of Agriculture News Release

Organic farming is easier on the environment, but even organic practices need safeguards. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering financial assistance to National Organic Program certified organic producers.

The funding gives current growers’ opportunity to address their existing resource concerns, such as soil and plant conditions, as well as new organic producers, according to Lawrence T. Yamamoto, NRCS Director for the Pacific Islands Area. This assistance will be provided through the Organic Initiative of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Applications turned in by March 4 will be considered for initial selection, but applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Funding selections will be made on or before April 9.

Organic farming is one of the fastest growing segments in U.S. agriculture.  The Organic Initiative gives financial and technical help for producers of all commodities to meet their conservation goals.  The assistance from the NRCS helps producers plan and implement conservation practices to allow their organic operations to be environmentally sustainable.

For information or to apply, visit pia.nrcs.usda.gov, or contact Wally Jennings, Molokai District Conservationist for NRCS: 567-6868 or wally.jennings@hi.usda.gov