The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering assistance through the Conservation Reserve Program to help organic growers establish buffer strips. For conservation buffers, funds are available for establishing shrubs and trees or supporting pollinating species and can be planted in blocks or strips. Madison, South Dakota area organic grower Charlie Johnson says this will be helpful in getting farmers to transition to organic production.
He says there is a need to get more farmers converting to organic production as there’s high consumer demand for the product.
Johnson says by assisting organic growers with their conservation efforts will also help improve the wildlife habitat as well as aid farmers growing the crop.
Organic farmers can learn more about the organic conservation opportunities by stopping by their local farm service agency county office or going to the USDA website.
