NEW Resource Available for Livestock Producers Transitioning to Organic: Livestock Transitional Production Plan
The National Organic Program (NOP) has posted a new Livestock Transitional Production Plan (TPP) template on the AMS website. This new resource was developed under the Organic Transition Initiative’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program.
Like the Crops TPP template published earlier this year, the Livestock TPP template provides an additional resource for livestock producers. The template helps livestock producers transitioning to organic production learn how to document their organic practices in preparation for completing the Organic System Plan required for organic certification. By learning these practices and documenting the materials used, producers can feel more confident they are on the right track early in the process.
Using the template may ultimately streamline the organic transition process and help livestock producers take advantage of other USDA programs. For example, the Livestock TPP may help producers meet some of the application requirements for the Conservation Plan Activity (CPA) 138 under the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative.
The Livestock TPP can be used by producers who are not using prohibited substances and are implementing practices expected to lead to compliance with the USDA organic regulations. When the TPP is reviewed and signed by a USDA-accredited certifier, the operation will be listed as transitional in the Organic Integrity Database. The transitional operation status will be visible only to certifiers and USDA employees. Transitional operation status is not publicly available.
About the Organic Transition Initiative
The Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) is a $300 million multi-agency USDA effort to provide comprehensive support for farmers transitioning to organic production. This initiative delivers wrap-around technical assistance, including farmer-to-farmer mentoring; provides direct support through conservation financial assistance and additional crop insurance assistance; and supports market development projects in targeted markets.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Risk Management Agency are the primary agencies supporting this initiative.
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