Source: USDA, 2/1/22

Feb. 4 is the deadline for agricultural producers who are certified organic, or transitioning to organic, to apply for the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP). During the COVID-19 pandemic, certified organic and transitional operations faced loss of markets, increased costs and labor shortages, and expenses related to obtaining or renewing their organic certification.

Through this sign-up period, certified and transitional operations may apply for assistance on eligible expenses, including certification, educational events and soil testing, paid in 2020 and 2021.

Producers are encouraged to apply through their local Farm Service Agency office, or online, by the Feb. 4 deadline.

For more information, click here.