Vilsack: OTI Will Make It Easier For Farmers To Become Organic

On Monday August 22nd, USDA rolled out the new Organic Transition Initiative, intended to make it easier to move from conventional farming to organic.  Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said the department’s hope was to make the transition process easier and more profitable.

“Three basis components of this Organic Transition Initiative.  We’re committing $300 million to support this initiative, $100 million to each of the three components...allowing farmers to learn the process from farmers who have already gone through the process.  Establishing a series of partnerships and networks across six regions of the country.”

Other priorities under the initiative include improving Risk Management resources and supply chains for organic producers.  Vilsack added the new OTI complements existing USDA organic programs, such as those emphasizing cost share certification, and transition education.

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