Written by Gordon Merrick, OFRF’s Senior Policy & Programs Manager

Photo by Daniel Oppenheimer, Hill Country Alliance

On a plot of land just east of Austin, near the banks of the Colorado River, a small, urban, organic operation was hosting a field day as part of an educational event for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field staff. This wasn’t just a “come see our operation” type of field day, though; this was an event co-sponsored by the Hill Country Alliance and the NRCS-TX Urban Agriculture Agronomist intended to provide some hands-on experience working with urban and organic farmers. 

For Michelle Akindiya, the Education Director for Farmshare Austin, this was an opportunity to bridge the knowledge gap between NRCS staff and the unique challenges faced by organic farmers.

“The goal of this workshop was to familiarize NRCS agents to the operations of small, urban and organic farms. Many of our District Conservationists in Texas are more familiar with larger, less diversified farms and may not have much contact with organic specialty crop production. We had the unique opportunity to tour our working operation and look at a new parcel that we will be transitioning to organic production.”

Tour Experience & Key Takeaways

During the tour, attendees explored both established and recently acquired sections of the farm, including three acres at the very beginning stages of an organic transition. Michelle structured the day to include both field observations and a role-playing exercise. After walking the land and discussing resource concerns, attendees broke into groups to devise conservation plans and explore available NRCS programs.

The exercise showed the participants the diversity of resource concerns and the creativity that is allowed (and sometimes needed) to address them on organic farms. Farmers who can participate in this type of exercise can find it equally valuable since they hear directly from NRCS about the programs and resources they can access.

Key takeaways from the event:

• Scenario planning and role exercises were highly effective in fostering engagement and understanding.
• Combining field observations with small-group discussions provided a balanced approach to learning.
• Having a “knowledge broker”—someone familiar with NRCS standards and organic practices—was critical for translating technical concepts.

Photos 1 & 3 by Michelle Akindiya, Photo 2 by Daniel Oppenheimer

Why Farm Tours with NRCS Matter for Organic Farmers

Organic farmers often face challenges navigating NRCS programs designed with conventional agricultural practices in mind. Farm tours like Michelle’s provide NRCS staff with an opportunity to see firsthand how organic farming systems operate and the specific conservation concerns these farmers encounter. For example, understanding the pest and weed management techniques required for vegetable production versus traditional grazing, forage, or field crop operations is critical to tailoring NRCS programs to meet organic producers’ needs. 

According to Daniel Oppenheimer of the Hill Country Alliance, who was an organizer alongside Michelle for the event:

“NRCS planners wanted to apply what they learned, not just to absorb information passively. Scenario planning was key. Spending time in the field, we gave them real-world scenarios to think through and discuss; this offered a unique way to translate organic practices into conservation strategies.”

One of the more important features of these tours is how they foster in-person connections, building trust between farmers and NRCS officials. By building that trust, they create a platform for dialogue about how NRCS programs and policies interact with the requirements for organic operations. Michelle highlighted that “hosting a workshop for NRCS on our farm was beneficial in a few ways. One, we got 20 heads together to help identify and solve our resource concerns and we were able to pick up on some key pieces of knowledge that we otherwise would not have. As they were teaching each other, we were learning too! Two, we got to see behind the curtains and really understand what goes into building a conservation plan at the NRCS. I now have a much better understanding of how to best work with our NRCS District Conservationist.”

Steps to Host a Successful NRCS Farm Tour

Working with an organization to host an educational event for your local NRCS office can be a powerful way to showcase your operation, share insights about organic practices, and build relationships with NRCS staff. Based on the success of events like Michelle Akindiya’s field walk and group work at Farmshare Austin, here are steps to start that process:

1. Connect with your local NRCS office.

Start by reaching out to your local NRCS representatives or conservation districts. Gauge their interest and discuss potential focus areas that align with their training needs and your farm’s operations. Michelle’s tour succeeded, in part, because of her collaboration with the Hill Country Alliance and Wilma Tichelaar, the NRCS-TX State Urban Conservationist. These partnerships ensured the event met NRCS priorities and had the right mix of attendees. 

Daniel told us about the importance of these relationships: “We had the pre-existing relationships with some of the local NRCS, some of the zone, and some of the state office staff, too, which really helped organize training events. If you’re starting from scratch, spend time getting to know your local NRCS contacts. Attend local working group meetings, build those relationships and consider how your work aligns with the agency’s and community’s conservation priorities.”

If you don’t already have connections with NRCS or local conservation groups, consider attending their events or reaching out through your state NRCS office to establish relationships. 

2. Plan the tour’s focus points and consider what to highlight (e.g., soil health practices, crop diversity, etc.). 

Think strategically about the areas of your operation you want to showcase. Highlight practices like crop diversity, soil health management, or innovative water conservation techniques. It’s also valuable to include areas where challenges persist, as they can prompt discussions about solutions.

The importance of selecting a compelling site, such as a plot being transitioned to organic or a poorly managed area needing restoration, creates opportunities for NRCS staff to apply their knowledge and develop conservation plans. Try to reflect both your farm’s unique context and NRCS’s conservation goals.

Combine field observations of both highlighted areas and challenging areas with interactive elements like scenario planning, allowing NRCS staff to “get hands-on” and apply their skills in a real-world context.

Other activities to consider include:

• Facilitating a discussion about conservation priorities on your farm.
• Hands-on projects, such as building small erosion control structures or reviewing water management systems.
• Providing time for Q&A, so attendees can learn more about how your practices align with NRCS standards.

3. Organize the day-of tour.

Don’t overlook the logistics: provide snacks, drinks, printed handouts, and a clear agenda. A smooth, organized experience ensures attendees stay focused on learning. By partnering with organizations, tailoring your farm’s presentation to NRCS needs, and incorporating interactive learning opportunities, you can host a successful and impactful farm tour. For more detailed guidance, check out OFRF’s Field Day Toolkit and start planning your event today.

4. Follow up after the tour.

Once the tour is complete, reach out to attendees with a summary of key takeaways, any next steps, and a request for feedback. Follow-up is essential for refining future events and maintaining the relationships built during the tour.

Overcoming Setbacks and Staying Persistent

Kaile Brant (NRCS), Michelle Akindiya (Farmshare Austin), Wilma Tichelaar (NRCS)

Hosting a farm tour can come with challenges, from scheduling conflicts to initial rejections. But persistence pays off. If one NRCS agent declines, don’t hesitate to reach out to another. If the timing doesn’t work this year, try again next year. Recognition of this was readily apparent by the participants, as Wilma put it:

“It was really good because we had a lot of people from different backgrounds and different zones. Given the open dynamic we had, everyone was pretty comfortable bringing something up for discussion, which was really good. It’s important for planners to recognize that producers and their fields are all different—different experiences, different viewpoints—and that’s going to reflect what they’re willing and able to do on their operation.”

OFRF, TOPP, and Your Path to Engaging Federal Programs

Whether you’re considering transitioning to organic or are in the final stages of the certification process, resources are available to support your transition. At the Organic Farming Research Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting growers in improving and expanding the widespread adoption of organic farming systems. 

One way we do this is through our work with TOPP, the Transition to Organic Partnership Program—a network developed by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources. OFRF has created resources to help producers navigate and access the specific USDA technical assistance and funding support programs available to help transition to an organic system of production.

Access OFRF’s Free TOPP Resources

Farmers across the U.S. are eligible for significant technical and financial assistance from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

Farmers and technical service providers know first hand that the most significant barriers to developing sustainable infrastructure and production practices are due to time and resource scarcity. NRCS’ EQIP program offers financial assistance and technical support to implement new conservation practices on your farm, with additional support for historically underserved applicants including socially disadvantaged, beginning, veteran, and limited-resource farmers and ranchers. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of what EQIP has to offer, and the steps to utilizing this program.

Note: all of this information is summarized in printable, downloadable PDFs, available in English and Spanish, at the bottom of this blogpost.

Nota: toda esta información se resume en archivos PDF imprimibles y descargables, disponibles en inglés y español, al final de esta publicación de blog.

Obtain additional translated materials, or schedule interpretation services for phone calls or in-person visits, https://www.farmers.gov/translations, or request personalized Spanish language support for any USDA resource, https://www.farmers.gov/translations#spanish-request.

Important Points:

• EQIP is a reimbursement program, most operations will have to pay for improvements up-front and get funding to cover those costs.
• Do not begin reimbursable conservation activities & projects prior to completion of your application process and contract with NRCS.
• Contacting your local NRCS office is a key step in determining your eligibility and beginning your application process.
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and will be reviewed on the next ranking date for your state. Begin your application process as soon as possible to ensure completion by the next deadline! Applications are prioritized by local resource concerns and the applicant’s level of need.
• You will need to create a free online account at Farmers.gov and ensure that it is up to date.
• If you do not own your land, you will need to submit written permission from the owner with your application.

Step 1. Research Your Options. EQIP offers support for a broad scope of conservation activities & projects to producers including both financial and technical support. EQIP provides funds to reimburse costs associated with specific practices or infrastructure projects on a farm. EQIP’s most popular sub-programs include the High Tunnel Initiative, which covers the cost of high tunnel installation for production farms, the On Farm Energy Initiative, which covers the cost of energy-saving equipment and infrastructure improvements such as refrigeration units or greenhouse improvements, and the Organic Initiative, which provides up to $140k to certified organic or transitioning farms to implement conservation practices such as design and installation of efficient irrigation systems, nutrient & pest management strategies, or developing a grazing plan.

Step 2. Connect with USDA. Create or update your account at Farmers.gov, and contact your local NRCS office to get started. Your conservation specialist will confirm your eligibility and help you identify which projects & practices best suit your operation. 

Guiding questions for initial contact with NRCS:

• “I’m interested in applying for EQIP’s  _initiative(s) of interest_ for my farm to help finance _conservation project of interest_. What do you need from me to get started on my application?”
• “What additional funding opportunities are available to my farm?”
• “How soon can a conservationist help me set up a conservation plan (AD 1026)?”
• “When is the deadline for the next EQIP ranking period?”
• “I am eligible for the increased and advanced payment option for Historically Underserved farmers. How will this change my application process?”
• “I _(own/rent)_ my land. What documents will you need for completion of my EQIP application by the deadline?”
• “My farm is _certified/transitioning_ to organic. What additional will you need for completion of my conservation plan and application by the deadline?”

Step 3. Schedule your conservation plan development. Your NRCS conservation specialist will work with you to develop a conservation plan for your operation and complete the AD 1026 form.

Step 4. Gather your application documents. You’ll need your: 

• Official tax ID (Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number)
• Adjusted gross income certification (Form CCC-941), which requires your Taxpayer ID Number and AGI from the previous 3 tax years.
• Deed, or property lease agreement and written authorization from the landowner to install structural or vegetative practices.
• Farm tract number (obtained from Farmers.gov or FSA membership).
• Documentation of organic certification (if applicable).
• Documentation of your land’s irrigation history (if applicable to project).

Step 5. Complete your application & submit! Your NRCS conservation specialist will complete & submit your application form (CPA 1200) with you using your established conservation plan and the above documents. 

Step 6. Implement your plan. If you’re selected, you can choose whether to sign the contract for the work to be done. You’ll be provided with guidelines and a timeframe for implementing your plan. Once the work is implemented and inspected, you’ll be paid the rate of compensation for the work.

Apply for EQIP now, and reap the benefits of a more affordable path to sustainable agriculture. Your farm deserves the support it needs.

All of this information is summarized in a printable, downloadable PDF below, available in English and Spanish.

Farmers across the U.S. may now receive up to $750 per scope for organic certification costs

As a farmer or a technical service provider to farms, you understand the importance of organic certification. It not only adds value to your products but also opens doors to a growing market of health-conscious consumers. However, the process of obtaining and maintaining organic certification can be costly. The good news is that financial assistance is available through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) to help ease this burden. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the basic steps to access up to $750 in financial assistance for each organic certification scope, covering expenses paid between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023.

Note: all of this information is summarized in printable, downloadable PDF’s, available in English and Spanish, at the bottom of this blogpost.

Nota: toda esta información se resume en archivos PDF imprimibles y descargables, disponibles en inglés y español, al final de esta publicación de blog.

1. Start with Research

Before diving into the application process, it’s wise to build up some knowledge of the program and who you will apply to. The OCCSP is administered by the USDA, and their website provides a wealth of general information. Additionally, some states have their own supplements to the program. If you’re in Arizona, California, or Texas, consider checking your state’s agriculture agency website for state-specific resources.

Below are factsheets from the USDA about the OCCSP, one in English and one in Spanish.

2. Finding the Right Application 

Certified organic operations can apply for OCCSP assistance through their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office or, in some cases, through a participating State Agency. Here’s how to proceed:

Through FSA: If you choose to apply through the FSA, you’ll need to use their specific OCCSP application form and follow the instructions provided. This ensures that your application is processed smoothly and efficiently.

Through a State Agency: If your state participates in the OCCSP, you likely have the option to apply through your state agency. In this case, use the application form provided by your state’s program. States like Arizona and California have their own forms, while Texas offers an online application platform along with a Request for Assistance (RFA) providing information.

3. Gathering Financial Information

To access government payments through OCCSP, you’ll need to provide certain financial information. The information must be provided in the correct format, depending on how you are applying. Here’s a brief explanation of the options in the Southwest: 

FSA: If you’re applying through the FSA, they typically require an IRS W-9 form as part of your application.

California: In California, you’ll need to complete a Payee Data Record Form as part of your application.

Arizona: In Arizona, they require an AZ W-9 form to be submitted along with your application.

Texas: If you’re applying through Texas’ online platform, you’ll need to provide a Tax ID to operate on their system, obtain one here.

4. Compiling Required Documents

Alongside your application and financial information, you’ll also need to include certain documents:

• A copy of your organic certification.
• Proof of payment for your certification fees.
• Itemized receipts for any other covered expenses related to organic certification that you’re seeking reimbursement for.

Covered expenses under the OCCSP include application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement/arrangement requirements, travel/per diem for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments, and postage. However, covered expenses do not include equipment, materials, supplies, transitional certification fees, late fees, and inspections necessary to address National Organic Program regulatory violations.

5. Submission

Once you’ve gathered all the required information and documents, it’s time to submit your OCCSP application. Double-check your application to ensure everything is complete and accurate. Ensure you send this information to the appropriate state or federal agency office based on your chosen application method.

The OCCSP can be a valuable resource for farmers and technical service providers seeking financial assistance for their organic certifications. By following these steps and meeting the program’s requirements, you can access up to $750 to support your commitment to organic farming practices.

For more detailed information and access to specific application forms, be sure to visit the OCCSP USDA website or consult your state’s agriculture agency website if they operate their own OCCSP program (Arizona, California, Texas). Your organic journey just got a little more affordable.

Apply for OCCSP assistance now, and reap the benefits of a more affordable path to organic certification. Your commitment to organic farming deserves the support it needs.

All of this information is summarized in a printable, downloadable PDF below, available in English and Spanish.

Federal funding is available to help agricultural producers transition to an organic system of production.  As part of the larger $300 million USDA Organic Transition Initiative, the Natural Resource Conservation Service has begun to make $70 million available to help producers adopt organic management systems in pursuit of certification.  The following resources provide information on specific USDA technical assistance and funding support programs available to farmers. We will continue to update this with additional resources, so be sure to check back often. 

Utilizing NRCS Support on Organic Farms: Tech Note 12

Tech Note 12 provides a wealth of knowledge needed to effectively support the unique requirements of organic producers

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers funding and technical assistance to help farmers enhance their farming operations, including increasing support for transitioning to organic practices. However, farmers, field agents, and Technical Service Providers (TSPs) may not always be familiar with how NRCS programs can support organic practices. To address this, OFRF collaborated with NRCS to develop a document that equips farmers and field agents with the knowledge needed to effectively support the unique requirements of organic producers. That document is Technical Note 12 (TN-12). Learn more.

The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)

Farmers across the U.S. may now receive up to $750 per scope for organic certification costs

As a farmer or a technical service provider to farms, you understand the importance of organic certification. It not only adds value to your products but also opens doors to a growing market of health-conscious consumers. However, the process of obtaining and maintaining organic certification can be costly. The good news is that financial assistance is available through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) to help ease this burden. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the basic steps to access up to $750 in financial assistance for each organic certification scope, covering expenses paid between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023. Learn more. 

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Farmers across the U.S. are eligible for significant technical and financial assistance from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

Farmers and technical service providers know first hand that the most significant barriers to developing sustainable infrastructure and production practices are due to time and resource scarcity. NRCS’ EQIP program offers financial assistance and technical support to implement new conservation practices on your farm, with additional support for historically underserved applicants including socially disadvantaged, beginning, veteran, and limited-resource farmers and ranchers. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of what EQIP has to offer, and the steps to utilizing this program… Learn more.

Organic Transition Initiative (OTI)

$75M in cost-share grant funding is available to certified organic and transitioning-to-organic growers under EQIP to meet NRCS’s Conservation Practice Standard for Organic Management (CPS-823).

Organic farmers must manage their land without prohibited inputs for 3 years for their products to be certified. This transitioning period can be incredibly challenging as farmers and their land adjust to new production practices. OTI is intended to help producers implement conservation activities required for certification, receive expert technical support, and recover foregone income due to reduced yields during the transition period through EQIP.