EQIP Organic Initiative - Your Responsibilities

Below is a brief outline of what you will be responsible for when you sign an EQIP Organic Initiative contract.

To read more, please download the EQIP application (CCC-1200) and read the appendix. You can download and read the application and appendix by visiting the application materials & documents page.

By signing an EQIP Organic Initiative contract, you agree to:

• pursue and obtain organic certification or be in compliance with organic certification.

• develop and carry out an organic system plan or carry out practices consistent with an organic system plan.

• start a financially assisted practice within the first 12 months of the contract period.

• install the planned conservation practices according to a schedule defined in your contract.

• install the planned conservation practices according to NRCS design standards.

• operate and maintain these practices or activities for their intended purposes and life span of the practice as identified in your contract.

• obtain written approval before starting to install a conservation practice that is part of your contract. Starting a practice without written approval from NRCS will result in the ineligibility of that practice for EQIP payments, unless you request a waiver from the State Conservationist and your waiver request is approved.

• comply with the terms and conditions of the contract and all applicable federal, state, tribal and local laws.

Last modified: 06/08/2009