![]() USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds producers interested in the Transitional and Organic Grower Assistance Program, also part of OTI, to visit with their crop insurance agent for more information. It supports conservation practices required for organic certification and may provide foregone income reimbursement for dips in production during the transition period. ![]() USDA offers other assistance for organic producers, including the new Organic Transition Initiative (OTI), which includes direct farmer assistance for organic production and processing, conservation and crop insurance.įor conservation, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is helping producers adopt the new organic management standard, which allows flexibility for producers to get the assistance and education they need such as attending workshops or requesting help from experts or mentors. However, the producer or handler may only receive OCCSP assistance from either FSA or the participating state department of agriculture. If a state department of agriculture chooses to participate in OCCSP, both the state department of agriculture and FSA County Offices in that state will accept OCCSP applications and make payments to eligible certified operations. FSA will post a synopsis of the funding opportunity on and will electronically mail the notice of funding opportunity to all eligible state departments of agriculture. Opportunity for State Departments of AgricultureįSA is also accepting applications from state departments of agriculture to administer OCCSP. Organic producers and handlers may also apply for OCCSP through participating state departments of agriculture. Additional details can be found on the OCCSP webpage. ![]() As part of completing the OCCSP application, producers and handlers will need to provide documentation of their organic certification and eligible expenses. To apply, Louisiana producers and handlers should contact their local FSA office USDA Service Center. 31, 2023, to file applications, and FSA will make payments as applications are received. The cost share provides financial assistance for organic certification, and producers and handlers are eligible to receive 75% of the costs, up to $750, for crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling and state organic program fees (California only). Organic certification costs have long been identified as a barrier to certification, and this assistance, at its full levels, will help Louisiana organic producers participate in new markets while supporting and growing our local and regional food systems.” ![]() “We’ve heard about this program’s value in helping Louisiana organic producers and handlers obtain or renew their certifications under the National Organic Program, and I’m pleased that we’re able to increase and restore the cost share to the statutory limit this year. “We’re taking steps to better support Louisiana organic producers,” said Ronald Guidry, Jr., State Executive Director for FSA in Louisiana. 30, 2023.Īs part of USDA’s broader effort to support organic producers and in response to stakeholder feedback, this year FSA increased the cost share to the maximum amount allowed by statute. 31, 2023, for expenses incurred from Oct. Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages organic agricultural producers and handlers to apply for OCCSP by Oct. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will cover up to 75% of the costs associated with organic certification, up to $750 per category, through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). ![]()
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