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The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) today hailed a new U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative to increase the number of farm and ranch acres in organic production.

The USDA said it plans to provide $50 million in 2009 through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The program will also support organic producers who make additional environmental improvements to previously certified farm land.

OFRF Senior Policy Analyst Mark Lipson (photo right) called the USDA’s action a tremendous victory for the organic community and the environment.

“The USDA funding is historic. It signals federal recognition of the multiple contributions organic agriculture makes to the health of our environment. Better water quality, enhanced biodiversity, protection of bees and other pollinators, and increased carbon storage in our soil are all benefits of organic production,” said Lipson.

Current organic producers and those in transition to organic will be eligible to receive contracts under the program, but they’ll have to act fast. Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, May 11, 2009. To ensure consideration for assistance from this pool of funds, producers must file an EQIP Organic Initiative application no later than May 29.

“The EQIP Organic Initiative contracts are geared for small- and medium-scale family farms and ranches. They’ll speed the move to more organic acreage and support ongoing improvement of land that is already in organic production,” said Lipson. “Our challenge now is to let producers know they must act quickly to take advantage of the program.”

OFRF plans to work through its Organic Farming Action Network and with other farm activist organizations to alert organic producers and those in transition to the new program.

OFRF’s Executive Director Bob Scowcroft (photo right) characterized the $50 million funding plan as one of the biggest policy successes OFRF and other organic policy advocates have seen in nearly 20 years.

“This move turns the corner for EQIP, setting it on a path toward producing organic solutions to the environmental challenges we face on our farms and ranches. We thank our key Congressional allies: Senators Tom Harkin, Patrick Leahy and Jon Tester. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand also played an important role in her previous position in the House, along with Rep. Dennis Cardoza. Their support was crucial in creating this conversion program and encouraging the actions the USDA announced today,” said Scowcroft.

“We also are very appreciative of Secretary Vilsack and Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Dave White for their strong commitment to implementing the intent of Congress,” Scowcroft added.

Producers can get more information about EQIP at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/

The Organic Farming Research Foundation was founded in 1990 to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF sponsors organic farming research and education projects, disseminates the results to organic farmers and to growers interested in adopting organic production systems, and educates the public and policymakers about organic farming issues. The majority of OFRF’s board members are working organic farmers.

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