WHITING, Kan. (AP) -- The Kansas Rural Center says it wants to help farmers in the state transition to organic production.

The center notes that Friday was the deadline to sign up for funding this year from the Natural Resources Conservation Service's organic initiative.

Kansas has received more than $1.4 million for the initiative in 2010.

The initiative can provide up to $20,000 per year to help farmers and ranchers transition to methods or improve conservation benefits on existing organic farms. Farmers can receive up to $80,000 over a six-year period.

To apply, producers need to contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service office.