LISTSERV 16.0 - MICH-ORGANIC Archives

Just a reminder if you are interested in applying for cost share with NRCS. They have reopened as they have some extra funds, they have not yet given. But you better act quickly:

NOTE: Schools (K-12 or college) or government organizations are NOT eligible for this program. This program is for farmers on private land.

You must register with FSA (farming service Agency) at your soil conservation district office. Here is the link to find your county office:

For upper peninsula, http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?service=page/CountyMap&state=MI2&stateName=Upper%20Michigan&stateCode=26 f

or Lower peninsula, http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?service=page/CountyMap&state=MI1&stateName=Lower%20Michigan&stateCode=26

You must complete the paper work they provide
You must have a site visit with a soil conservation technician of your farm to see what you are eligible and what would be best for your farm system and they will develop a conservation farm plan.

This does not cost you for this service, beyond your time and care. These steps must be completed before you can apply for any NRCS cost share programs.

Here is the announcement of the program reopen. Applications must be submitted by May 17

USDA Announces Second Selection for Conservation Funding

EAST LANSING, April 10, 2013 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering Michigan farmers a second opportunity to competefor conservation financial assistance during 2013. Funding is available through the USDA’s Seasonal High Tunnel for Crops, Drought, Organic and Air Quality initiatives to producers who submit an application by May 17, 2013.

“This is a good opportunity for producers who were not selected earlier in the year to apply for financial assistance for conservation activities during 2013. Anyone interested in these initiatives should contact their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office as soon as possible to start the application process,” said State Conservationist Garry Lee.

The Seasonal High Tunnel, Drought and Organic initiatives are available to producers statewide, the Air Quality Initiative is available to producers in 25 Michigan counties. Farmers who submit applications with the greatest environmental benefits will be offered contracts that will pay a portion of the cost for implementing conservation practices. Farmers receive payment after the conservation practice is installed or implemented.

The Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative provides financial assistance to purchase a seasonal high tunnel (hoop house) to extend the growing season for crop production. The drought initiative provides financial assistance for specified conservation activities that can help alleviate drought conditions, some eligible practices include residue and tillage management, cover crops and irrigation water management. Organic producers and producers transitioning to organic production can receive financial assistance for implementing conservation practicesconsistent with organic production to address a resource concern.

Air Quality Initiative funding is available to producers in 25 Michigan counties identified as having impaired air quality. A list of eligible counties is available online and at local USDA Service Centers. Producers in eligible counties can apply for financial assistance to implement conservation practices that improve air quality.

For more information about these initiatives and how to apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service programs, contact a local field office or go online to www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service helps America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment.

Brian Buehler

Public Affairs Specialist

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 250

East Lansing, MI 48823

Phone (517) 324-5244

Vicki Morrone

Organic Farming Specialist

Center For Regional Food Systems at MSU

480 Wilson Rd. Room 303

East Lansing, MI 48824

517-353-3542/517-282-3557 (cell)

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