May 15, 2024 | USDA |
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new initiatives, partnerships, and $10 million in additional funding to expand organic markets and aid farmers transitioning to organic production. The USDA aims to support market development, provide training for transitioning producers, and ease certification costs. The Organic Market Development Grant program will allocate $24.8 million to 23 projects, benefiting 49,000 producers and 118 million consumers. Additionally, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will invest $5 million in partnerships for organic training. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will cover up to 75% of organic certification costs. These efforts aim to increase access to profitable markets, reduce reliance on imports, and support small to mid-sized producers, furthering USDA’s commitment to resilient, equitable food systems.
