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News from U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service
Contact: Jolene Lau, Public Affairs Specialist at 808-541-2600 ext. 135 (Honolulu)

Deadline Extended for New Organics Initiative

Applications Due June 15, 2009

HONOLULU, May 27, 2009— Organic farmers interested in applying for federal funds through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are urged to submit applications to their local USDA Service Center by June 15, 2009. The 2009 Organic Initiative is a nationwide special initiative to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production. Organic producers may also apply for assistance under general EQIP.

"Due to overwhelming interest, the deadline for the EQIP Organic special signup has been extended," said Lawrence T. Yamamoto, Director for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the Pacific Islands Area. "This initiative to assist organic producers is another way we hope to help our communities meet its locally produced food needs and conserve the islands natural resources."

Under the Organic Initiative required minimum core conservation practices will be determined by specific resource concerns. The practices are: Conservation Crop Rotation; Cover Crop; Nutrient Management; Pest Management; Prescribed Grazing; and Forage Harvest Management. States must consider using any appropriate practice that meets the resource concern on a particular operation.

Applications received from organic producers or producers in transition to organic farming will be accepted under this initiative from now till June 15, 2009. The 2009 Organic Initiative will be administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Interested producers should visit www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov/contact to find the nearest USDA Service Center to determine eligibility. Additional information on the 2009 EQIP Organic Initiative is available at: www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/.

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Jolene Lau
Public Affairs Specialist
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
300 Ala Moana Blvd., #4-118
Honolulu, HI 96850
(808) 541-2600 ext. 135

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