FAQs: CSP and Organic Production Systems

CSP AND ORGANIC PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

What kind of assistance does CSP provide to organic producers?

CSP does not make a distinction between organic and non-organic production systems. However, organic production systems are generally very good conservation systems and are likely to rank high. Among the CSP enhancements that you may select as part of your CSP contracts are organic cropping systems, organic grazing systems, organic pest management, organic conservation tillage, and non-chemical pest control for livestock.

Is there a special organic set aside?

The CSP does not have a special organic set aside at this time.

What kinds of conservation activities can I implement under CSP that correspond with requirements for organic certification?

NRCS has a correlation chart available on their website that indicates which requirements under the National Organic Program correspond with conservation activities that are part of CSP. In addition, NRCS has created a bundle of enhancements including several enhancements that correspond with organic practices.

How is CSP different from the EQIP Organic Initiative?

CSP provides ongoing payments for active management and maintenance of current conservation efforts and supports new conservation efforts. While CSP has organic-specific enhancements for you to choose from, the program per se is not specific to organic or non-organic systems of production. CSP also requires a high level of conservation effort to get into the program. The EQIP Organic Initiative provides one-time payments to producers to implement new conservation practices that will be part of transitioning to organic production or will enhance current conservation efforts by existing organic producers.

Is there anyone that can help me understand the Conservation Measurement Tool so I properly interpret the questions in order to improve my competitive edge as an organic farmer?

Although it varies highly from one NRCS field office to the other, in general. NRCS field staff has only limited experience working with organic production systems. As an organic farmer, you will have to work to communicate the differences between your system of production and other conventional systems. For example, NRCS field staff may understand Integrated Pest management planning but not how to manage pests without the use of synthetic pesticides. This will be an opportune time to educate them on your organic system plan and how you are conserving important natural resources through organic production.

I am certified organic under the NOP. How can I use my Organic System Plan to expedite my CSP application?

An organic system plan should help the NRCS field staff understand your current conservation activities and should help in providing the information needed for the Conservation Measurement Tool. This will depend on the familiarity of the NRCS field staff with organic production systems and how such systems relate to good conservation practices.

Can I use the same farm/field maps for organic certification and for CSP?

Yes. These maps should help NRCS field staff input information into the Conservation Measurement Tool and with field-verification of your current and future conservation efforts.

If approved, will I qualify for a special payment because I am certified organic?

There is no payment bonus for organic producers per se. However, there are several organic-specific enhancements that you may adopt as new practices (organic cropping systems, organic grazing systems, organic pest management, organic conservation tillage, and non-chemical pest control for livestock). Read the NRCS chart that correlates organic practices with CSP conservation activities. In addition, new or improved resource-conserving crop rotations may qualify for a special CSP supplemental payment.

Is my CSP ranking score impacted if I manage my land organically, but am not certified?

In general, organically managed land (whether certified or not) should provide multiple conservation benefits. The CSP does not distinguish explicitly between certified organic, non-certified organic, and non-organic agriculture systems, so your organic certification status should not impact your CSP application or ranking score.