By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director
Congress Passes Short-Term Funding Patch But Lets Farm Bill Extension Expire
Lawmakers returned to Washington, D.C. after their August recess with expiration dates looming for both the Farm Bill and annual spending bills.
Late last month, Congressional leaders were able to reach a bipartisan deal to keep the Government running on 2024 levels through December 20, with a short-term funding patch called a continuing resolution (CR). There had been some speculation that they would extend the Farm Bill as part of that CR, but they did not include that in the measure.
Since most Farm Bill programs will not expire until the end of the calendar year, there is still time to pass a new Farm Bill after the election this fall. However, there is reportedly some interest among Farm Bill negotiators in passing some sort of emergency assistance package along with a Farm Bill extension if compromise can’t be reached on a new bill.
Any Farm Bill Extension Must Protect Organic Certification Cost Share Program
The organic certification cost-share program is authorized every 5 years through the Farm Bill.
After reductions in 2020, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced in 2023 that they would restore reimbursement rates for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) to 75% of the certified organic operation’s eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $750 per scope. This brought the amount of funding back up to the maximum allowed by the 2018 Farm Bill.
Because OCCSP is a very small program, cost-share does not have “permanent baseline” funding status. When the 2018 Farm Bill was extended last November, the extension was crafted in a way that preserved funding for cost-share and other so-called “orphan” programs, programs without mandatory baseline funding. If the current Farm Bill is again extended, provisions must be included so that cost share funding is maintained. OFA has been told that funding for 2024 is secure. However provisions in any extension are needed so that organic farmers who use the program can plan ahead for their 2025 certification costs.
Take action: Please visit usa.gov to find contact information for your members of Congress and urge them to renew funding for the organic certification cost share program in any Farm Bill extension and modernize cost-share by supporting the Opportunities in Organic Act in the next Farm Bill.
USDA Announces Funding to Assist Organic Dairy Producers
On Thursday, September 26, USDA announced the availability of $58 million through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP), which will provide certified organic dairy producers with funding to help cover projected marketing costs for 2024.
The ODMAP program was first launched in 2023 with $104 million allocated. With less than half of those funds distributed in the first round of disbursements, OFA and allies are pleased to see this effort to get much needed relief to organic dairy producers.
Improvements to the program for 2024 include an increase in the payment rate to $1.68 per hundredweight from the previous $1.10 per cwt. The production level eligible for marketing cost-share assistance has also increased from 5 million pounds to 9 million pounds.
OFA will continue to work for policies that support organic dairy producers in the upcoming Farm Bill.
Producers can apply for the program from September 30 to November 29 by contacting their local USDA Service Center. To apply you will need to provide documentation showing 2023 production, proof of organic certification, and complete an application form.
Watch the National Organic Standards Board’s Fall Meeting
The NOSB meets twice a year to work on recommendations to the USDA about organic standards and the National List of materials that are allowed or prohibited in organic production.
This fall, the NOSB will convene an online Public Comment Webinar in mid-October followed by an in-person meeting in Portland, Oregon the following week.
- Public Comment Webinar Day 1: Tuesday, October 15 from Noon – 5:00 pm Eastern
- Public Comment Webinar Day 2: Thursday, October 17 from Noon – 5:00 pm Eastern
- In- Person Meeting Day 1: Tuesday, October 22 from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Pacific
- In- Person Meeting Day 2: Wednesday, October 23 from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Pacific
- In- Person Meeting Day 3: Thursday, October 24 from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Pacific
For more details on the meeting, including the agenda and materials, visit the USDA webpage here, and read OFA’s written comments here.
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