The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has launched the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) in Illinois to support producers transitioning to organic farming practices. The OTI program will provide financial assistance, training, and expertise for farmers, forest landowners, and other producers who are transitioning to organic certification.
Under the program, the NRCS will offer higher payment rates and other options to support underserved producers, including socially disadvantaged, beginning, veteran, and limited resource farmers and ranchers. The OTI program is aimed at supporting conservation practices required for organic certification, which often extend beyond the existing NRCS conservation practices.
The new organic management standard also allows flexibility for producers to gain the assistance, training, and expertise they need through organic transition. It may provide foregone income reimbursement for dips in production during the transition period.
Producers interested in the EQIP-OTI program should submit a signed application (NRCS-CPA-1200 form) by June 9, 2023, to the local NRCS field office or through the Farmers.gov website. The program will provide a range of benefits for eligible producers, including access to technical and financial assistance and cost-sharing for implementing organic management practices.
The OTI program is a valuable opportunity for producers to transition to organic certification and gain access to a growing market for organic products. For more information, interested producers can visit farmers.gov/organic.
Photo Credit: istock-Elenathewise
Categories: Illinois, Crops