For the second time this year, organic producers have an opportunity apply for funds through the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative to assist them in protecting natural resources.

Those eligible to apply are certified organic producers, those transitioning to organic production or those who meet organic standards but are exempt from certification because their gross annual organic sales are less than $5,000.

Producers interested in applying for EQIP Organic Initiative funding should contact their local NRCS Service Center. Applications submitted by May 20, 2011 will be reviewed for the current funding cycle.