In an attempt to boost the production of organic agricultural products, the United States Department of Agriculture has launched an incentive program of this kind for the first time.

Monday, April 15, 2002

In an attempt to boost the production of organic agricultural products, the United States Department of Agriculture has launched an incentive program of this kind for the first time.

&uot;The idea of the program is that the government will share the cost of investments farmers need to make to convert from conventional production to organic,&uot; USDA District Conservationist Chris Borden said.

On one hand, organic production promotes soil and water conservation. It also provides farmers alternative markets for selling their products. But on the other hand, a huge investment and adjustment efforts are needed, according to Borden.

&uot;We hope the incentive payment will take those risks out for producers,&uot; Borden said.

Farmers will receive an annual incentive payment of $50 per acre for crop production and $25 for livestock production for up to 250 acres. Acreage already certified for organic production is not eligible.

The incentive would last up to three years if the farmer develops an Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contract that requires farmers to implement comprehensive conservation practices such as installation of grassed waterways, agricultural waste-management systems and terraces.

The USDA allocated $4.5 million for fiscal year 2002 for EQIP funds. Producers who enter five- to 10-year EQIP contracts with the USDA are eligible to receive up to $50,000. More than 1,000 producers in Minnesota have entered into EQIP contracts since 1997, resulting in $22 million worth of conservation infrastructure, according to the department.

Those who are interested in the program should contact the USDA Freeborn County Field Office at (507) 373-5607 Ext. 3.