USDA Provides $5 Million in Second Round of Payments to Help Organic Dairy Producers Cover Increased Costs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today is announcing a second round of payments for dairy producers through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP), providing an additional $5 million to help dairy producers mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already paid out $15 million in the first round of payments for eligible producers, bringing total ODMAP payments to $20 million.
“This program is critical to keeping small, organic dairies sustainable as they continue to weather a combination of challenges outside of their control,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “In total, we’re providing $20 million to give organic dairy producers additional economic support to stay in operation until markets return to more favorable conditions.”
FSA accepted ODMAP applications from May 24 to August 11. Eligible producers for ODMAP included certified organic dairy operations that produce milk from cows, goats and sheep. The second ODMAP payment is automatic, participating producers do not need to take action.
2023 Organic Oversight and Enforcement Report Now Available
The National Organic Program (NOP) develops and enforces standards for organically produced agricultural products sold in the United States. USDA and accredited organic certifiers work together to enforce the standards, ensuring a level playing field for producers and protecting consumer confidence in the integrity of the USDA Organic Seal.
NOP publishes an annual report on oversight and enforcement activities from the previous year in part to fulfill directives included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The report includes a summary of investigations and compliance actions, an update on the work of the Organic Agricultural Product Imports Interagency Working Group, and an overview of organic import oversight. The 2023 report also provides updates on two new initiatives, the Transition to Organic Partnership Program and the Organic Human Capital Development Initiative.
As the organic community grows and supply chains become more complex, NOP continues to increase our oversight capacity to meet the evolving needs of the organic community.
Farmer to Farmer Insight Shared through TOPP Sparks Interest in Northwest Organic Crop and Livestock Operations
 Photo: Farmers and ranchers talk about soil health and crop rotation while touring a certified organic farm and ranch in southeastern Montana.
Montana has seen increased interest in organic transitioning and farmer-to-farmer education events offered through the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). Northwest regional TOPP partner Montana Organic Association (MOA) recently joined forces with certified organic farm and processor O’Connor Crops and Cattle - OCC Legacy Cuts to provide opportunities for farmers and ranchers to learn about organic certification and on-farm practices.
On the first day, 22 attendees participated in a tour that provided step-by-step insight to ranchers interested in transitioning to organic and growing their livestock businesses. Tour participants watched as OCC Legacy Cuts processed cattle from slaughter through the fabrication of the carcass, and tour guides shared insight into growing, processing and marketing certified organic beef.
On day two, 25 farmers and producers attended an MOA-led tour which focused on dryland wheat, legumes, cover cropping research, forage management, and inter-seeding of crops, including legumes with spring wheat. As part of their crop rotation, the farm uses livestock to graze cover crops and soil building crops. They grow organic crops and fatten cattle to process and distribute directly to consumer and retail stores. Tour participants observed a wide range of agronomy practices that included ensiling forages, integrating forages for cattle into cash crops, moisture saving tillage regimes and cover cropping.
About the Transition to Organic Partnership Program
The USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations who are partnering with others to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. USDA is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities.
Northwest Regional Lead Oregon Tilth (OTCO) partners with organizations experienced in the organic industry to provide mentoring services, technical assistance, community building, and organic workforce development for transitioning and existing organic farmers.
|
