USDA Conservation Programs for Organic Producers

The 2008 Farm Bill created new opportunities for organic and transitioning producers to participate in federal conservation programs. These programs provide technical assistance and financial support for agricultural producers to implement conservation practices on their farm that address resources of concern, including air quality, water quality, soil, wildlife and native plant species. Federal conservation programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

OFRF is working to ensure that organic agricultural practices are integrated into federal conservation programs. We also work to make sure that organic producers have access to these programs and that the programs work for organic producers.

Visit our following pages for detailed information on USDA conservation programs:

EQIP Resource Page
Provides information and resources for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the EQIP Organic Initaitive.

CSP Resource Page
Provides information and resources for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). We also have a list of Frequently Asked Questions about CSP.

Organizations Assisting Farmers Applying to Conservation Programs
A list of providers at the local, state and national level.

Guide for Organic Farmers and Ranchers on Participating in NRCS State Technical Committees and Local Working Groups
State Technical Committees (STCs) and Local Working Groups (LWGs) advise NRCS on how to implement federal conservation programs at the state and local level.

You can also visit the NRCS website for more information on federal conservation programs.