Quick Q&A: Organic Funding News and Deadlines!

What’s the scoop on the newest funding announcement?

$300 million for farmers making the transition to organic? That’s right! Last month, the USDA announced a new program and you (or someone you know) could benefit.

This new funding will include direct farmer assistance through the NRCS, including an increase in organic expertise and financial assistance to farmers that implement a new Organic Management conservation practice standard. Additional support will be available for transitioning and certified organic producer’s participation in crop insurance, including a coverage of a portion of their insurance premium. This will start for the 2023 reinsurance year. Learn more about this portion of the new initiative here.

The program also includes a regionally-based farmer training and education program that will partner with organizations in six regions to connect farmers and mentors for education and technical assistance. This Transition to Organic Production Program (TOPP) is expected to help farmers with questions related to agronomy, certification, extension, conservation planning, business development and marketing.

If you are interested in learning more: read the full USDA press release for the entire initiative here, and check out the USDA website for this program for other details and updates.

What existing assistance is available for the 2022 season?

FSA’s Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) has been around in some form for several years and helps producers obtain or renew their organic certification. This covers 50% or up to $500 of certification costs, per scope.

The Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP) provides additional funding to certified and transitioning producers during the pandemic. It covers an additional 25% or $250 of certification costs (per scope), up to 75% or $750 in eligible expenses for transitional producers, registration fees for educational events (75% or $200), and soil testing expenses (75% or $100).

When are the deadlines for applying for OCCSP and OTECP?

You have until October 31, 2022 to apply for applications to cover costs incurred from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022.

How do I apply for OCCSP and OTECP?

Contact the Farm Service Agency (FSA) at your local USDA Service Center. You can look up your Service Center here. For OCCSP you may also apply through participating state agencies.

What do I need to apply for OCCSP and OTECP?

You will need to complete the applicable forms, provide evidence of your certified status (e.g. a copy of your organic certificate), and the expenses incurred during the applicable period (10/1/2021 to 9/31/2022).

Additional OCCSP and OTECP Resources