Natural Transition Initiative (OTI) Deadline Announcement

Natural farmers should handle their land with out prohibited inputs for 3 years for his or her merchandise to be licensed. This transitioning interval might be extremely difficult as farmers and their land modify to new manufacturing practices. OTI is meant to assist producers implement conservation actions required for certification, obtain knowledgeable technical assist, and get well foregone revenue on account of diminished yields throughout the transition interval via EQIP.

Vital Notice: Though the nationwide deadline has been prolonged to March 1, 2024, states set their very own rating dates independently. 

• • Arizona: Feb 2, 2024(Normal EQIP rating date)
  • California: Feb 16, 2024 (Normal EQIP rating date)
  • Hawaii/Pacific Islands: Mar 8, 2024
  • Nevada: Mar 29, 2024 (Normal EQIP rating date)
  • New Mexico: Fall 2024 (Normal EQIP rating date)
  • Texas: Jan 26, 2024
  • Utah: Mar 29, 2024 & June 28, 2024 (Normal EQIP rating date)

Step 1. Analysis your choices.

Step 2. Join with USDA. Create or replace your account at Farmers.gov, and call your native NRCS office to get began. Your conservation specialist will verify your eligibility and assist you establish which tasks & practices greatest fit your operation. Directing the agent to NRCS-sponsored webinars and coaching modules the Natural Farming Analysis Basis and Oregon Tilth have developed for NRCS area brokers could also be useful.

Contact your state workplace for added help:

• Arizona: State Workplace, 602-280-8801, AZinfo.NRCS@usda.gov 
• California: Jenna Ganoung, State EQIP Program Supervisor, Davis State Workplace, California, (530) 792-5671, jenna.ganoung@usda.gov 
• Hawaii/Pacific Islands: Morri-Ann Nagata, State EQIP Program Supervisor, PIA State Workplace, 808-933-8356, morri-ann.nagata@usda.gov 
• Nevada: Paulette Balliette, Useful resource Conservationist, (775) 857-8500, paulette.balliette@usda.gov 
• New Mexico: Maggie Gnann, New Mexico EQIP Program Supervisor, (505) 761-4452, maggie.gnann@usda.gov 
• Texas: Stacy Riley, Assistant State Conservationist for Applications, 254-742-9881, stacy.riley@usda.gov
• Utah: Davie Stokes, Program Supervisor (EQIP,  AMA), (435) 609-9187, davie.stokes@usda.gov

Guiding Questions: Try our “Find out how to speak to NRCS in regards to the OTI” PDF for added subjects, out there above!

• I __personal/hire__ my land. What paperwork will you want for completion of my EQIP utility by the deadline?
• I’m eligible for the elevated and superior fee possibility for Traditionally Underserved farmers. How will this modification my utility course of?
• My farm is __licensed/transitioning_ to natural. What further info will you want for finishing my conservation plan and utility by the deadline?
• Can I get monetary help for conservation work I’ve already began or accomplished?
• Can NRCS assist me develop and implement a complete conservation plan that’s tailor-made to my natural operation?
• When is the deadline for the subsequent EQIP rating interval?

Step 3. Schedule your conservation plan improvement. Your NRCS conservation specialist will work with you to develop a conservation plan in your operation and full the AD 1026 kind.

Step 4. Collect your utility paperwork.

• Official tax ID (Social Safety Quantity or Employer Identification Quantity)
• Adjusted gross revenue certification (Kind CCC-941), which requires your Taxpayer ID Quantity and AGI from the earlier 3 tax years.
• Deed, or property lease settlement and written authorization from the landowner to put in structural or vegetative practices.
• Farm tract quantity (obtained from Farmers.gov or FSA membership).
• Documentation of natural certification (if relevant).
• Documentation of your land’s irrigation historical past (if relevant to venture).
• Documentation of earlier enhancements made to the property.

Step 5. Full your utility & submit! Your NRCS conservationist will help you in finalizing your utility. 

Step 6. Implement your plan. Should you’re chosen, you’ll be able to select whether or not to signal the contract for the work to be completed. You’ll be supplied with pointers and a timeframe for implementing your plan. You may be reimbursed after your work is inspected and authorised. Superior funds not expended inside 90 days of receipt should be returned to NRCS.

As important stewards of the land, natural farmers deserve assist. Don’t let funding be a barrier to realizing your farm’s potential. Take step one in the direction of development and sustainability by making use of for help via the Natural Transition Initiative earlier than your state’s deadline.