New Guide Helps Organic Producers Shape
Conservation Programs

Guide Is Designed to Help Producers Participate In and Improve USDA Conservation Programs at the State and Local Level

by Tracy Lerman
OFRF Policy Organizer

Photo courtesy of USDA
Conservation activities in practice on agricultural fields.

Organic farming systems provide many conservation benefits, and farmers can be rewarded for these practices through conservation programs.

A new guide for organic and transitioning farmers and ranchers is now available. The guide provides producers with information on how they can shape federal conservation programs so that they work better for organic farmers and ranchers.

This guide is also designed to help producers influence how the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) implements conservation programs at the state and local level. These programs include the EQIP Organic Initiative and the Conservation Stewardship Program. Specifically, the guide focuses on how producers can participate in NRCS State Technical Committees and Local Working Groups, two entities that serve in an advisory capacity to NRCS.

This guide was co-authored by OFRF, the Center for Rural Affairs, the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. A generous grant from the Organic Valley Farmers Advocating for Organic Committee funded the training and guide.

In addition to the guide, OFRF is hosting a farmer workshop on November 15 in Davis, California. This workshop will give organic and transitioning farmers and ranchers a chance to learn how to make USDA Conservation Programs work better for them. The workshop will also focus on how to participate in State Technical Committees and Local Working Groups.

In 2009, NRCS launched the Organic Initiative, which provides financial and technical assistance to organic and transitioning producers to improve conservation on their farms and encourage transition to organic farming systems. OFRF applauded this effort and worked to spread the word about this new program. However, in the months following its introduction, many farmers and ranchers found that their local NRCS offices had little understanding of organic systems. This lack of knowledge made it challenging for organic and transitioning producers to participate in the initiative and other federal conservation programs. Moreover, many organic growers were new to NRCS and needed resources to help them understand how to participate in these programs.

In response to these needs, OFRF initiated efforts to shape USDA conservation programs so that they better serve organic producers. In addition to the training and the guide, our policy staff regularly provides the NRCS with feedback from farmers and partner organizations. We have also submitted public comment on proposed rules affecting conservation programs. Recently, OFRF received a grant from NRCS as part of a national collaborative to review and update federal conservation practices so they work better in organic and other sustainable farm systems.

If you would like more information about the farmer guide and the workshop, please contact Tracy Lerman, Policy Program Organizer, at tracy@ofrf.org or at 831-426-6606 x 108.