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EQIP money can help fund organic start-ups

Sign-up begins Monday for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds for those either beginning or improving an organic farming operation.

Fifty million dollars is available nationally and Iowa’s share is $1.4 million for conservation practices. Rich Sims, Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist in Iowa, says one example would be an operation marketing organic beef or organic milk.

“You need to have the grass base out there, so individuals can receive incentive payments from our agency to set up paddocks for better grazing,” Sims told Brownfield Friday.

Another example is a producer who may get incentive payments for extending rotation toinclude cover crops such as hay or grass.

“That will have a positive line on their budget, it will increase their capabilities for diversity in their system, so it’s a good opportunity for the producers to expand and get into the organic market,” said Sims.”There is a huge demand in organic production.”

The sign up for the organic initiative ends May 29.