The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency is currently accepting applications to assist with costs for producers to transition to organic operations.
According to a May 16 news release, organic producers and producers transitioning to organic operations can apply to the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP) and Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). These programs assist by covering costs related to being organic operations, such as getting the organic certification.
“By helping with organic certification costs – long identified as a barrier to certification – USDA has helped producers participate in new markets while investing in the long-term health of their operations,” Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said, according to the release. “We launched the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program to build on the support offered through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program and provide additional assistance to organic and transitioning producers weathering the continued market impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
According to the release, OTECP covers up to 25% of costs up to $250 per category for organic producers and handlers; 75% of expenses up to $750 for transitional producers such as fees for pre-certification inspections and organic system plan development; 75% of registration fees for educational events up to $200; and 75% of soil testing fees up to $100.
The release states the OCCSP covers 50%, or up to $500 per category, of certification costs in 2022.
“This year, in response to stakeholder feedback, we have aligned the signup dates for these two organic programs and encourage producers to work with the local USDA service centers and state agencies to complete the applications,” Ducheneaux said, according to the release. “The FSA, and the USDA broadly, are committed to making sure our nation’s organic producers and handlers have the tools they need to continue positively shaping our local and regional food systems.”
According to the release, producers and handlers should contact the Farm Service Agency at their local USDA service center to apply.
