USDA Invests Up to $300 Million to Support Transition to Organic
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a framework to transform the food system including up to $300 million in funding to support organic agriculture. The National Organic Coalition (NOC) has urged USDA to increase support for organic agriculture to build a more ecologically sound and climate-friendly food and farm system that protects the health of people and the planet.
USDA is investing in a comprehensive initiative to help farmers transition to organic production, including farmer-to-farmer mentorship programs, technical assistance, direct support through conservation financial assistance and additional crop insurance assistance, and programs to help develop markets in targeted areas.
“Organic agriculture is a systems-based approach to transforming the food system that has scientifically proven climate, soil health, biodiversity, and public health benefits,” said Abby Youngblood, Executive Director at NOC. “The National Organic Coalition is thrilled to see USDA invest in helping more farmers transition to organic production. The creation of this transition program, in addition to increased support for existing organic farmers, is essential to create a more sustainable food system that protects the health of farmworkers, rural communities, and eaters.”
The National Organic Coalition has urged USDA to support existing and transitioning organic producers by:
Strengthening enforcement of existing organic regulations to ensure a level-playing field for organic producers. Consumer confidence in the organic seal depends on the USDA upholding the high integrity of the organic standards.
Developing new markets and preventing fraud in existing markets.
Focusing on helping farmers transition in sectors where demand for organic products outstrips domestic supply.
Prioritizing underserved farmers and underserved regions of the country in organic transition programs.
NOC has also asked USDA to develop a transition program that recognizes the knowledge and value that long-time organic producers have as mentors to transitioning farmers and to ensure that farmer-mentors are compensated for their time, expertise, and mentorship.
“In the more than 40 years that the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) has been working with farmers, we have found that farmer-to-farmer learning is the best way for farmers to gain the skills they need to move to organic management systems,” said Amalie Lipstreu, Policy Director at OEFFA, a NOC member organization. “Increasing support for and replicating existing programs that provide this type of direct assistance, mentorship, and support will have a lasting and positive impact on helping farmers succeed in organic production.”