The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing a second round of payments for dairy producers through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP), providing an additional $5 million to help dairy producers mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. That’s on top of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) paid out $15 million in the first round of payments for eligible producers.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will administer two programs that have specific safety net benefits for producers of honeybees and honey. The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) assist producers when disasters impact honey production or damage or destroy colonies, hives or honeybee feed. For more details log on to https://www.fsa.usda.gov
Agricultural employers can apply for a pilot program focused on addressing workforce challenges farmers and ranchers face. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in coordination with other federal agencies, is announcing up to $65 million in grants available for the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program). For more details log on to https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/flsp
If you are looking to go organic the USDA is offering to cover some of the costs. Up to 75% of the costs associated with organic certification, up to $750 per category are up for grabs through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program(OCCSP). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers and handlers to apply for OCCSP by November 1, 2023, for expenses incurred from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023. For more information log on to https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/occsp/index?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery