1. First step is to complete the form, AD1026,  If you want to print out or see  the form AD 1026 click here, https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/State-Offices/Ohio/pdfs/AD1026.pdf

 

Here are easy instructions if you are unsure of how to answer the questions. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/ad1026_for_ttpp_sii.pdf

 

 

2. Then take that form to your local Soil Conservation District Office. To find that address visit this site. https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?service=page/CountyMap&state=MI1&stateName=Lower%20Michigan&stateCode=26 This is the step that needs to be done by Feb 15. Then later when the snow is melted they will visit with you to do a conservation plan for your farm to determine the best programs for you, EQIP programs that support soil and water conservation, like cover crops, buffer zones, pollinator habitats to name a few.

 

Here is the full scoop (again) for organic initiative, that is available through the EQIP program.

Organic Initiative

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) National Organic Initiative, NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to help eligible producers plan and implement conservation practices to support the environmental sustainability of their organic operation or agricultural operation transitioning to organic production. 

The 2018 Organic Initiative provides financial assistance to implement a broad set of conservation practices to assist organic producers in addressing resource concerns. Projects under this initiative may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Developing a conservation plan
• Establishing buffer zones
• Planning and installing pollinator habitat
• Improving soil quality and organic matter while minimizing erosion
• Developing a grazing plan and supportive livestock practices
• Improving irrigation efficiency
• Enhancing cropping rotations and nutrient management

Financial assistance is limited to totals of a maximum of $20,000 per fiscal year AND no more than $80,000 over six years. 

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements associated with EQIP in addition to being a certified organic producer, a producer who is transitioning to become certified organic, or a producer who falls under the exemption category in the National Organic Program (NOP) regulation, as described below.

• Certified organic producers must provide NRCS with a copy of their USDA NOP organic certificate or proof of good standing from a USDA-accredited certifying agent; certification must be maintained for the life of the contract.
• Exempt producers who are selling less than $5,000 a year in organic agricultural products are exempt from NOP’s certification. Exempt organic producers are eligible for the EQIP Organic Initiative provided that they self-certify that they agree to develop and implement an Organic System Plan (OSP). 
• Transitioning to organic producers must self-certify that they agree to develop and implement an OSP.

Organic Initiative Frequently Asked Questions
National NRCS Organic Initiative Web page

 

 

 

 

Try this one:

 

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/mi/programs/financial/eqip/NRCS141P2_024538/

 

 

Becky Otto

EQIP Coordinator

USDA-NRCS-MI

(517) 324-5257

 

 

If you could let me know of upcoming deadlines for programs for farmers, as I serve farmers through MSUE.

Thanks very much

Vicki

 

Vicki Morrone

Organic Farming Specialist

Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University

480 Wilson Rd

East Lansing, MI 48824

517-282-3557 (cell)

[log in to unmask]

www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu

sorrone11 (skype)

 

 

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