Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a series of initiatives designed to bolster the organic sector, including new programs, partnerships, grant awards and an additional $10 million in funding. These measures aim to expand markets for organic products and assist producers in transitioning to organic production.
“Offsetting the costs for organic transition helps more farmers realize higher margins sooner while giving consumers more access to high-demand organic products,” said Secretary Vilsack. “The partnerships and technical support we offer will ease the transition for producers, and the investments in grant projects we are announcing today will reduce the organic industry’s reliance on imports, lower cost barriers for businesses transitioning to organic, and address crucial infrastructure needs."
These announcements build upon USDA's comprehensive approach towards supporting local and regional food systems, expanding market access for more producers, increasing affordable food supply for Americans, promoting climate-smart agriculture and ensuring equity for all producers.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has awarded approximately $24.8 million for 23 grant projects through the Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) program. These projects are expected to benefit over 49,000 producers and 118 million consumers by increasing opportunities in the organic market.
In addition to this round of awards, AMS has allocated a total of $75.2 million across 93 projects nationwide through the OMDG program. An additional $10 million is also available through this program with awards set to be announced later this summer.
To support those transitioning to organic farming, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is awarding $5 million to Oregon Tilth and Organic Farming Research Foundation. The funding will help strengthen expertise in conservation program assistance and expand relationships among producers looking to transition.
Through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) will cover up to 75% of organic certification costs at a maximum of $750 per certification category. The deadline for applying to the OCCSP is Oct. 31, 2024.
These initiatives are part of USDA's ongoing commitment to transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America.
