The Department of Agriculture is taking additional steps to strengthen the market for domestically grown organic goods and support producers seeking organic certification. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Wednesday announced funding opportunities through USDA's Organic Transition Initiative. Launched in 2022, the program helps existing organic farmers and those transitioning to organic production and processing. Vilsack says, "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." USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service will issue up to $75 million in competitive grants through the new Organic Market Development Grant Program. The Farm Service Agency increased the cost share amount under the Organic Certification Cost Share Program as part of USDA's broader effort to support organic producers. Specifically, FSA will cover up to 75 percent of costs associated with organic certification.
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