Organic Farmers

Massachusetts organic farmers and those in transition to organic production may sign up now for technical and financial assistance under the federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program organic initiative of the USDA. Farmers are encouraged to apply by March 12 for their applications to be reviewed and ranked for currently available funds.

Participants will receive help implementing a variety of conservation practices, including crop rotation, cover crops, nutrient management, pest management, prescribed grazing, forage harvest management, composting, water diversions and waterways, strip cropping, livestock watering facilities, fencing and pollinator habitat. Hoop houses, also are included

Farmers should contact their local USDA service center; locations are listed online at http://offices.usda.gov.