Where To Find Funding for Your Organic Farm
October 19, 2021 USDA is filled with services, programs, and agencies, most offering resources.
We took a dive into five organic programs, and we’re sharing what they offer growers.
National Resources Conservation Services (NCRS)
NCRS helps growers with financial and technical support. It includes services for organic growers, particularly when it comes to developing a conservation plan. You can find online resources, including YouTube videos, webinars, and a guidebook that goes over the basics of organics (NRCS.USDA.gov).
It also includes programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program.
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
FSA gives growers loans and grants and helps manage conservation, food commodities, food disasters, and farm marketing programs.
For organic growers, FSA’s Organics Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides cost-share assistance to growers who are obtaining or renewing their certification under the National Organic Program (NOP).
To apply, a grower must turn in an application to their county FSA office (FSA.USDA.gov).
RELATED CONTENT: Are More Organic Labels Needed?
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
CSP provides incentives for growers who participate in conservation activities and improve and maintain their current conservation efforts.
Participants gain annual grants through NCRS for operation-level environmental benefits they produce. (NRCS.USDA.gov).
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
EQIP co-invests with volunteer growers in their conservation efforts. A list of conservation programs can be found on its website.
National Organic Program (NOP)
Federally funded NOP develops and enforces regulations on organic products. For growers who run the gauntlet of its organic criteria, NOP allows producers to use its certified organic badge on their products. The program also has a free, online training center (AMS.USDA.gov/services/organic-certification/training).
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