SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
RENO, Nev. — Organic farmers in Nevada have another opportunity to apply for hoop houses or conservation funding under the Organic Initiative administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Applications must be received by April 23. Agricultural producers who are certified organic or transitioning to organic production are eligible to apply.
Agricultural producers can apply for one or more high tunnels, up to 2,178 square feet, to be installed on existing cropland. Producers can receive about 75 to 90 percent of the cost of a high tunnel and related conservation practices. Other requirements and restrictions apply.
Under the Organic Initiative, producers can receive up to $20,000 per year or $80,000 over six years through this initiative. The Organic Initiative targets conservation practices such as cover crops, nutrient and pest management, and prescribed grazing. “There are more than a dozen practices that can qualify for funding through this initiative,” Petersen said.
Applicants must either have an organic system plan or certify that they are working toward one. Organic producers may also apply for assistance under general EQIP. Producers who receive NRCS contracts under the initiative are paid 75 percent of the cost of the organic conservation measures they implement. Beginning, limited resource and socially disadvantaged producers are paid up to 90 percent.
Producers interested in the Organic Initiative or the High Tunnel Pilot Project should contact their local USDA Service Center for more information before April 23. More information can be found online at www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov.
