New Biodiversity Conservation Rules for Organic Systems: How Farmers Can Fulfill Them

Organic farmers will be taking more advantage of conservation measures they can put into practice, now that the National Organic Program (NOP) is checking to make sure all organic certifiers adhere to the biodiversity and natural resources requirements. Farmers new to conservation often start with an obvious issue, and then over the years continue to weave a vibrant ecological fabric over their whole operation. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is working with the NOP to make their conservation practices more seamless with NOP’s requirements. Currently, NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative provides technical and financial assistance to organic farmers with conservation needs.

Presenters:

Jo Ann Baumgartner, Wild Farm Alliance, Watsonville, CA;
Ben Bowell, Oregon Tilth/NRCS, Portland, OR.