Lessons, Challenges, and Recommendations
Chris’ experience with NRCS has been positive, and while he found there was a lot of information to sift through and paperwork to fill out, he knew the support from the conservation program would benefit the farm. For some NRCS practice standards, multiple parties are involved to approve the contract, such as the clearance required for digging and establishing terraces and waterways on his grazed land. These levels of clearance took longer than Chris anticipated, but he kept in touch with his local office as the process moved along. He is happy with the hard work and commitment of his local office to understand how organic systems work, and encourages NRCS staff to think about how organic farm scenarios can fit into existing practice standards.
For other farmers considering NRCS conservation programs, Chris offered the following advice:
“Be organized and have a positive attitude, and have patience with the system. Have an understanding of the programs before you go in and present the plan for your farm to them. I thoroughly believe that every career NRCS agent truly wants to help us farmers succeed.”
Marvin offered the following advice to other NRCS staff who are working with an organic or transitioning-to-organic farmer for the first time:
“Do some research on organic, and approach things like you would with anyone else. Visit their farm, and listen to them to understand their perspective and what their goals really are. You’re still going out there and evaluating resource concerns. Start from a learning perspective.”
The lessons and challenges that Chris has encountered offer valuable insights for other farmers interested in participating in federal support programs. They also highlight areas where NRCS could improve processes and staff training. For farmers, navigating federal conservation programs and making them work within an organic production system can be a significant challenge. Organic farmers may face extra hurdles in meeting certification standards and finding service providers with organic literacy who can help them succeed.
