NRCS offers technical and financial assistance through conservation practices, activities and enhancements to help organic producers make and maintain improvements on their land.
Get Started with NRCS Technical Assistance
This step-by-step guide explains the process of getting started with NRCS conservation assistance.
NRCS assistance may include:
- Farm Consultation, including site assessments, soil survey, resource inventory.
- Conservation Planning – develop a plan that meets your needs and goals.
- Conservation Practice Assistance, including design, layout, and inspection.
After you develop a conservation plan, you may be eligible for financial assistance.
Financial Assistance
Organic producers may apply for all NRCS financial assistance programs. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program – Organic Initiative specifically targets organic producers. Though payment is lower, there is less competition for ranking in the organic pool. Each state and area has unique ranking criteria due to local conservation issues.
For more information:
- Farm Bill conservation programs
- Organic Certification Cost Share Program (Farm Service Agency)
- Solutions for Small-Scale Farms (Factsheets)
High Tunnel Initiative
A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Easements
NRCS provides incentives to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners wanting to put wetlands, agricultural land, grasslands and forests under long-term easements.
Related Information
Organic Initiative
The National Organic Initiative, funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), is a voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic.
High Tunnel Initiative
A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Organic Agriculture
Organic farming is an ecologically-based system that relies on preventative practices for weed, insect and disease problems, uses nontoxic methods to manage problems if they arise, and improves the natural resources of the land, including soil and water quality.
How NRCS Can Help
Learn about the many areas in which NRCS provides assistance to organic producers, from biodiversity to weed management.