Deadlines for Conservation Stewardship, Organic Initiative and Seasonal High Tunnel Pilots are approaching. Take a look, you may be interested in these federal programs.
DEADLINE EXTENDED!
Conservation Stewardship Program Deadline is NOW January 27
The Conservation Stewardship Program rewards farmers for the conservation they are already doing and provides the means to do more.
Through this program farmers receive an average of $20 per acre for cropland, $18 per acre for pasture and $5 per acre for woodland, up to $200,000 over the life of the five-year contract. Farms of all types and sizes are enrolled, and payments are based on level of conservation.
To learn more, check out the Farmers’ Guide to the Conservation Stewardship Program from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC). Find additional details on this year’s program from NSAC here.
Organic Initiative Deadline is February 3
NRCS will use three sign-up cutoff dates for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative in 2012. Applications are due by February 3, March 30, or June 1.
The Organic Initiative provides funds for certified organic and transitioning farms to implement conservation practices. Funds of up to $20,000 per year and $80,000 during a six year period are available for farmers.
For your state contact on the Organic Initiative and other information from NRCS, click here.
Only half of the funds available through this program have been used nationwide in recent years, so contact your local NRCS office!
Get the scoop on maneuvering the application process from ATTRA.
Seasonal High Tunnel Pilot Initiative Deadline is February 3
NRCS will also use three sign-up cutoff dates for the the Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative. Applications are due by February 3, March 30, or June 1.
NRCS provides funds through the Initiative to help producers design and install high tunnels that extend the growing season without using any electrical, heating, and/or mechanical ventilation systems.
This initiative is not restricted to organic producers as it was last year in some states.
In FY 2010, this initiative funded 2,395 high tunnel projects. In FY 2011, it funded 2,035 high tunnel projects.
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