Secretary Vilsack announces competitive grants with up to $75 million available.
Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a new grant program for organic products, making $75 million available to expand organic production and marketing. The grant program will be administered through the department’s Organic Transition Initiative, which will also oversee cost sharing for the organic certification process and the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program.
“As USDA works to help make our nation’s food system more resilient and create more options for producers and consumers, we recognize the important role the organic industry can play in expanding opportunities for value-added agriculture, strengthening supply chains and generating revenue for farmers,” Secretary Vilsack said. “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.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux as he oversees the Organic Transition Initiative and the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program.
- For wisdom for Secretary Vilsack as he heads the Department of Agriculture.
- For farmers who are seeking to transition to producing organic foods.
Sources: Reuters
