New - Organic Market Development Grants
USDA is now accepting applications for the Organic Market Development Grants Program.
The application deadline has been extended until August 8, 2023.
USDA will issue up to $75 million in competitive grants to non-profit organizations, tribal governments, and state and local government entities to fund projects designed to expand and improve markets for domestically produced organic products.
NOC is a strong advocate for this program. NOC submitted comments to USDA in November 2022 regarding the areas of greatest need to develop markets in the organic sector.
According to a statement issued by USDA, the new grants program is intended to increase the consumption of domestic agricultural commodities by aiding in the expansion of markets or development of new markets, marketing facilities, and uses for such commodities. For example, applicants may seek funding to develop and launch new consumer products using rotational grains, or invest in infrastructure like processing equipment to give producers better access to markets.
USDA is encouraging applications that serve smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers and underserved communities.
Other USDA Organic Assistance
This new grants program builds on several others USDA programs that are part of the recently launched Organic Transition Initiative. These programs include:
$75 million in assistance for conservation practices required for organic certification through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Training for NRCS staff. NRCS will partner with six organic technical experts through five-year agreements. The organic experts will develop regional networks and support NRCS staff who provide services to USDA customers.
The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), which provides mentorship opportunities for transitioning organic farmers, as well as technical assistance and wrap-around support in six U.S. regions.
Crop insurance premium assistance for transitioning farmers and certified organic grain/feed crop producers in 2023 through RMA’s Transitional Organic Grower Assistance Program (TOGA) .