The Department of Agriculture is offering pandemic assistance to cover certification and education expenses to certified organic producers or transitioning to organic.
USDA will make $20 million available through the new Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, certified organic and transitional operations faced challenges due to loss of markets, and increased costs and labor shortages, in addition to costs related to obtaining or renewing their organic certification, which producers and handlers of conventionally grown commodities do not incur.
Certified operations and transitional operations may apply for funding for eligible expenses paid during the 2020, 2021 and 2022 fiscal years.
Signup for 2020 and 2021 will begin November 8th.
