Organic Initiative Applications

News from U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service

300 Ala Moana Blvd., #4-118, Honolulu, HI  96850

June 1st Deadline for Organic Initiative Applications

HONOLULU, April 27, 2012 - Are you a farmer thinking about transitioning to organics?  USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds potential applicants to contact their local NRCS office soon to find out if they are eligible for funding through the agency's Organic Initiative. Applications for the final ranking period of 2012 are due at NRCS offices by close of business on June 1, 2012.

"With the increased interest in sustainable agriculture, this funding opportunity is a fine time for farmers interested in organics," said Kathleen Dobler, Acting Director for NRCS in the Pacific Islands Area.

The top five Organic Initiative conservation practices are cover crops, nutrient and pest management, seasonal high tunnels, crop rotation, and fencing.  Since 2010, we have helped 15 farmers with certified organic and organic transition technical and financial assistance.  From 2011, we have one completed certified organic contract for eleven acres on Kauai for $9,739 and three organic transition contracts for thirty acres in Hawaii and Maui Counties for $26,598.

Learn more about the Organic Initiative within the Pacific Islands Area at http://www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/organic_initiative_program.html and find out about other NRCS initiatives and programs at http://www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov.

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