Rodale Institute Applauds USDA’s Newest Investments in the Nation’s Organic Farmers

The USDA recently announced new funding opportunities to grow markets for organic products and support organic producers.

Kutztown, PA (May 15, 2023) — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding opportunities for organic farmers by investing in programs that strengthen the market for American-grown organic goods and support producers who seek to obtain organic certification.

“Consumer demand for organic products is growing rapidly and the USDA’s support will help American farmers meet the needs of the market,” said Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Tkach. “Strengthening the domestic supply chain of organic goods will benefit consumers, small business owners, rural communities, and the American agricultural sector.”

According to the department, through the newly-established Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) Program, “USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 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.”

In addition, the Farm Service agency “increased the cost share amount under the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which helps organic producers cover organic certification costs, to the maximum amount allowed by statute.”

Recent USDA data shows farms and ranches in the United States sold over $11 billion in certified organic commodities in 2021, a 13 percent increase from 2019.

For more information about the USDA’s programs, please visit farmers.gov/organic-transition-initiative.

Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. The Institute’s groundbreaking science and direct farmer support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide. Over its 75-year history, Rodale Institute has proven that organic farming is not only viable but essential to humanity’s survival.