The Department of Agriculture Monday announced the details of a $300 million investment for a new Organic Transition Initiative. Funded in part by the American Rescue Plan, the initiative will help build new and better markets and income streams for farmers, according to USDA. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “we are expanding USDA’s support of organic farmers to help them with every step of their transition.” The number of non-certified organic farms actively transitioning to organic production dropped by nearly 71 percent since 2008. Through the comprehensive support provided by this initiative, USDA hopes to reverse the trend, opening opportunities for new and beginning farmers and expanding direct consumer access to organic foods through increased production. The initiative will deliver wrap-around technical assistance, including farmer-to-farmer mentoring, provide direct support through conservation financial assistance and additional crop insurance assistance, and support market development projects in targeted markets.
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