Norwich - Applications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Organic Initiative are due Friday.

The Organic Initiative, part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, offers conservation practices specifically designed for organic production including cover crops, nutrient and pest management, seasonal high tunnels, crop rotation, and fencing.

Nationwide, NRCS has nearly $50 million in financial and technical assistance available to certified organic producers, those who want to make the transition to organic production, and producers who sell less than $5,000 in organic products annually.

Interested farmers should contact the USDA Service Center in Norwich at (860) 887-3604.