Bangor,
ME – February 25, 2013, 2012 – USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Juan Hernandez has announced a
second ranking period for the Organic Initiative
and the Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative. Interested producers should
contact their local NRCS office soon to find out if they are eligible
for either of these programs. Applications for the second ranking
period of 2013 are due at the NRCS offices by close
of business on April 19, 2013. Both initiatives are funded through the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program and offer technical and
financial assistance.
Through
the Organic Initiative NRCS helps certified organic growers and
producers working to achieve organic certification install conservation
practices for organic production. Funding
is available to help producers plan and implement conservation
practices that address natural resource concerns in ways that are
consistent with organic production. “Practices will help the selected
applicants meet many requirements of their USDA Organic
System Plans and stay in compliance with USDA’s National Organic
Program,” said Hernandez.
Through
the Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative, NRCS helps producers plan and
implement high tunnels – steel-framed, polyethylene-covered structures
that extend growing seasons in an environmentally
safe manner. High tunnel benefits include better plant and soil
quality, fewer nutrients and pesticides in the environment, and better
air quality due to fewer vehicles being needed to transport crops.
For more information go to
www.me.nrcs.usda.gov or contact your nearest USDA Service Center, listed online at
http://offices.usda.gov or in the telephone book under United States Government, Agriculture Department.
