Organic Farmers Qualify for Grants

Posted by Jamie McIntosh Oct 7, 2008

In 1990, the government stepped in to regulate the fast-growing organic foods market by establishing a standardized definition of what “organic” really means, and by clearly labeling organic products to reduce consumer confusion. Now, nearly 20 years later, the government has introduced a new bill to encourage more farmers to produce organic goods with the little green USDA seal.

Farmers may qualify for as much as $80,000 over a six-year period to convert their conventional farms over to organic farming operations. Furthermore, the government will pay up to $750 toward the organic certification of a farm. These incentives will surely increase the number of organic farms in the United States. Not only does organically grown produce fetch a higher price in the market, but increasing fuel prices mean that it’s getting ever more expensive to grow conventional produce. I give kudos to the government for closing the financial gap, and making it easier for farmers to choose sustainable techniques.