Aid Available For North Dakota’s “Organic” Farmers

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota is following the lead of neighbor Minnesota and trying to help farmers pay the cost of transitioning from traditional crops to organic production.

Minnesota's Agriculture Department launched its grant program in 2013 and North Dakota is following suit this year. Both programs are providing funds to help farmers with costs associated with the three-year transition process — everything from soil testing to education.

Minnesota farmers can get up to $750 annually and North Dakota farmers up to $1,000.

The Organic Trade Association says the effort could help create much-needed organic acres if it spreads beyond the upper Midwest.

Organic crops account for less than 1 percent of U.S. farmland, while demand for organic products has been increasing by double digits annually in recent years.