DAVIS – California agricultural producers who are certified organic or transitioning to organic production, may qualify for technical and financial assistance through a special initiative administered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The agency reported that $2 million in funding will be available to eligible producers in California as part of the agency’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Organic producers must submit applications by Jan. 31 for funding consideration during fiscal year 2010.

Noting that the EQIP deadline for most applicants is Jan. 15, California Assistant State Conservationist Alan Forkey said the agency was allowing a bit more time for organic and transitioning producers to develop their conservation applications but stressed they should begin the process as soon as possible.

"Organic producers tend to be new to USDA and NRCS procedures and it is a learning process on both sides. Getting in early allows for a quality conservation planning experience," said Forkey.

Organic producers can receive up to $20,000 per year or $80,000 over six years through this initiative. The Organic Initiative targets core conservation practices such as Conservation Crop Rotation, Cover Crop, Nutrient Management, Pest Management, Prescribed Grazing, and Forage Harvest Management.

"In addition to the six core practices, in California there are more than a dozen additional practices that can qualify for funding through this initiative," Forkey said.

This is a nationwide special initiative to provide financial assistance to certified organic producers as well as producers transitioning to organic production.

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.

Forkey encourages organic producers and those transitioning to organic production to contact their local USDA Service Center and learn more about this opportunity before the January 31 sign-up deadline.

To contact the Lake County NRCS service center please call Korinn Smith at 707-263-4180, Extension 14.

The Lake County NRCS service center is located at 889 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport, CA 95453. Driving directions and contact information to the service centers is available at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=CA .