Ohio producers who are interested in transitioning to organic production can now apply for funding opportunities tied to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) multi-agency Organic Transition Initiative (OTI). The USDA is investing $75 million in conservation assistance, including funds from the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), to help producers transition to organic farming.
Under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will dedicate $70 million to assist producers in adopting a new organic management standard. The new standard provides flexibility for producers to get the assistance and education they need, including attending workshops and requesting help from experts or mentors. It also supports conservation practices required for organic certification and may provide reimbursement for dips in production during the transition period.
Additionally, the NRCS will partner with new organic technical experts to increase staff capacity and expertise, while higher payment rates and other options are available for underserved producers such as socially disadvantaged, beginning, veteran, and limited resource farmers and ranchers.
This investment will help build new and better markets and income streams, strengthen local and regional food systems, increase the affordable food supply for more Americans, and promote climate-smart agriculture. Ohio producers and private forest owners can apply for this opportunity between May 15 and June 15, 2023. For more information, visit the Ohio NRCS EQIP website or contact your local USDA Service Center.
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