USA organic sector
Posted - May 7, 2009
OTA welcomes $50 Million USDA funding for organic sector
By O.W.N. network
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent announcement of $50 million in new funding to foster greater production of organics in the country has thrilled the Organic Trade Association, who sees this as a significant boost.
“The Organic Trade Association is pleased to see this support and recognition from USDA that organic farming practices represent positive environmental practices,” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s Executive Director, in a statement. “OTA believes that this funding will further encourage farmers to use such practices and help increase the U.S. production of organic food to meet growing consumer demand.”
The funds are available only to producers who are certified through the National Organic Program (NOP)or who are in the process of transitioning to organic production, under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Under this program, new contracts for organic production are issued for six core practices, specifically: conservation crop rotation, cover crops, nutrient management, pest management, prescribed grazing, and forage harvest management. A portion of the money has been allocated for each state. The funding will be capped at $20,000 per year, and registration for the special organic contracts begins May 11 and ends on May 29.
Meanwhile, Kathleen Merrigan, USDA’s Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, also recently announced to the National Organic Standards Board that USDA plans to create a division within the agency dedicated exclusively to organic agriculture, a significant move as the National Organic Program is currently part of the Transportation and Marketing Program within USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
Barbara Robinson, Deputy Administrator of Transportation and Marketing, had told attendees at OTA’s Policy Conference in late March that the National Organic Program is ready to stand on its own, which the OTA sees as more encouraging news for the industry.
“OTA is also very pleased to hear this news, and will eagerly await further word on how this will take place,” Bushway said.
The Organic Trade Association is a membership-based business association for the organic sector in North America. Since 1985, OTA has worked to protect organic agriculture, standards and trade. In Canada OTA has an office dedicated to developing the organic sector in this country.Membership to OTA is also open to companies based outside of the United States and Canada. members to OTA enjoy a variety of benefits and networking opportunities.
More information www.ota.com
