CHENANGO COUNTY — A few days ago, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking steps to support domestically grown organic goods and producers looking to obtain organic certification that could impact local farmers.

The funding opportunities are part of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative. This program offers help to existing organic farmers and those moving toward organic production and processing.

Vilsack said, “As USDA works to help make our nation's food system more resilient and create more options for producers and consumers, we recognize the important role the organic industry can play in expanding opportunities for value-added agriculture, strengthening supply chains, and generating revenue for farmers.”

“For many farmers, the transition period before attaining organic certification can be cost-prohibitive, so USDA is also helping mitigate the risk involved for farmers who want to be able to grow and market organic crops,” he added.

Chenango County Farm Bureau Director and Greene Pasture Ranch farm owner Victoria Pezzino said, “I do not know of producers who actually hold organic certification other than a few small dairy farms. Most producers I have spoken to are reluctant because they feel the paperwork load is too heavy a burden.”

“USDA released a new application for farm loans, making it easier to apply for financing. Hopefully this trend continues into other initiatives to help small farms grow as well,” Pezzino added. “Contact the local USDA Service Center or find available options at fas.usda.gov.”

According to USDA, they've learned producers may not be willing to commit to the three-year transition to organic certification because of the risks related to inadequate organic processing, storage, handling capacity, cost barriers, uncertain market access, and insufficient supplies of certain organic ingredients.

Organic livestock and processed product markets depend on imported agricultural products for feed, grains, and key ingredients.These issues were noticed during the pandemic as international conflicts in critical overseas organic supplies were limited.

Consumer demand for organically produced goods surpassed $67 billion in 2022. The opportunity to provide the new grant program allows challenges to be worked through for organic growers.

The new Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) Program, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will issue up to $75 million in competitive grants. Eligible businesses will include those who produce or handle organic foods, non-profit organizations, tribal governments, and state and local government entities.

AMS encourages applications that serve smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers and communities, and veteran producers. Applications are being accepted through July 10.

USDA also stated this year the Farm Service Agency (FSA) increased the cost share amount under the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which helps cover organic certification costs to the maximum amount allowed by statute.

For more information go to farmers.gov/organic-transition-initiative.