NASHVILLE — USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting State Conservationist John Rissler reminds producers that Tennessee has $170,000 in funds available for certified organic farmers or those transitioning to organic agriculture.

The extended signup ends May 17.

The Organic Initiative is part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and offers a wide array of conservation practices specifically designed for organic production. The top five Organic Initiative conservation practices are cover crops, nutrient and pest management, seasonal high tunnels, crop rotation and fencing.

“The consumer demand for organically produced food continues to rise,” said Rissler. ”NRCS’s Organic Initiative provides certified organic producers or those transitioning to organic agriculture another funding opportunity to install conservation practices needed for production.”

“Installation of these practices will help the selected applicants meet many requirements of their USDA Organic System Plans and stay in compliance with USDA’s National Organic Program,” added Rissler. “Organic farming helps support local healthy food efforts while keeping farmers on the land.”

Learn more about the Organic Initiative at http://go.usa.gov/Uo9 and find out about other NRCS initiatives and programs at http://go.usa.gov/UoX.