EQIP Organic Initiative in Georgia

Organic food sales remain the fastest growing sector in the food industry, swelling by 18 percent in 2007. Organic food sales more than tripled, to $1.7 billion in 2007 from $393 million in 2002, according to new data released by USDA’s Agriculture Census. All 50 states now have certified organic acreage for a total of 4 million acres of farmland. California remains the leading state in certified organic cropland, with over 220,000 acres, mostly for fruit and vegetable production. Georgia has experienced gradual growth with a total of 3,081 acres and ranks 42nd out of 50 states in organic acreage. The Georgia Department of Agriculture reports that there are 62 certified organic producers of crops ranging from fruits and vegetables to tree nuts, corn, peanuts, hay and cover crops, flowers, herbs and poultry. Gross sales by all categories of certified organic growers topped $4 million in 2008.

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 created a special provision for organic growers and those who are in the process of becoming organic growers. NRCS has designated $1.2 Million in Georgia to be used to help these producers take care of their natural resources. The implementation of conservation practices detailed in a custom-designed conservation plan will help improve our natural resources and ensure that Georgia's farm land remains viable and healthy.  More information can be found by following the links below.

Opportunities for Georgia Organic Producers Via the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

This is a fact sheet with a lot of useful information about the 2009 Conservation Organic Initiative in Georgia.

2009 Georgia Organic Funding News Release

A news release specific to Georgia announcing the funding received for this fiscal year's program.

2009 ORGANIC PAYMENT SCHEDULE

List of Local NRCS District Conservationists and Map

NRCS has offices located throughout the state, typically co-located with other USDA agencies. The District Conservationist can help you analyze your conservation needs and accept your application. If, after viewing the attached map, you need help locating your local contact, click here.

Link to USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service Organic Information

The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards for organic agricultural products. The NOP also accredits the certifying agents (foreign and domestic) who inspect organic production and handling operations to certify that they meet USDA standards.

Link to USDA Organic Certifier Located in Georgia

This site contains contact information for a USDA Organic Certifier. You can download an Organic Farm Application, and see a list of farms, processors/handlers already certified in Georgia.

Link to National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service Organic Website

This site has an extensive list of organic publications including templates for an Organic System Plan

Link to Georgia Organics Web Site

2008 EQIP Program Participants Lynn and Chuck Pugh Received Help With Conservation on their Organic Vegetable Farm The Pugh's grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers and medicinal plants. They had several concerns when they called Louise McPherson, a soil conservationist with the NRCS for help. “They called on us to help them figure out the best way to address several concerns. They wanted to improve the grazing for the sheep, but didn't have watering facilities in place to make rotational grazing work” McPherson said... Click here to read the rest of the story.

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