The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging farmers and ranchers in Kansas to participate in the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI), a department-wide effort to support agricultural producers interested in transitioning to organic. Producers beginning or in the process of transitioning to organic certification are encouraged to apply at their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Service Center by Saturday, March 9, 2024. If the State ranking date is missed, applications will be considered for the next future funding period.
“Organic growers face a unique set of production challenges that our technical assistance and Farm Bill Programs can help address with real conservation solutions tailored fit for your farm. Agricultural producers transitioning to organic are a natural fit for us,” Kansas State Conservationist David Doctorian said. “The Organic Transition Initiative can also assist producers in gaining organic knowledge through education and mentoring. Right now, it is a great time to apply for conservation assistance as we have additional funding for our popular programs from the Inflation Reduction Act.”
NRCS and Organic Transition Initiative
NRCS introduced a new organic management conservation practice in fiscal year 2023 as part of the initiative. It allows flexibility for producers to get the assistance and education they need, such as attending workshops or requesting help from experts or mentors. It also supports organic conservation activities, practices required for organic certifications, and may provide foregone income reimbursement for dips in production during the transition period. Higher payment rates and other options are available for underserved producers including socially disadvantaged, beginning, veteran and limited resource farmers and ranchers.
In 2023, NRCS invested $12 million in 22 states to work with 100-plus transitioning operations.
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Categories: Kansas, Government & Policy