What is the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI)?
The OTI provides funding to support producers transitioning to organic production by providing financial assistance (FA) and technical assistance (TA) to implement conservation practices that support organic production. The OTI supports USDA's objective of developing diverse and equitable food systems while encouraging climate-smart agriculture by focusing funds on transitioning producers to organic production.
The OTI is a separate initiative from the National Organic Initiative (NOI) that has been in place since 2009. The NOI will continue to be available.
The OTI will be available under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and offered in all states and territories.
Contract Development
EQIP-OTI contracts must include the Organic Management {823) conservation practice. Organic Management {823) and supporting land management practices may receive up to five separate payments. Refer to 440 CPM § 530.406{B)(4). Applicants may choose to transition their entire operation or a part of their operation. Approved practices or activities that directly support practice code 823 may be included in the contract and receive payment.
Eligible Practices
Core Practice*
- 823 - Organic Management
Facilitating Practices and Activities
- 138 - Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition (CPA)
- 140 - Transition to Organic Design (DIA)
- 327 - Conservation Cover
- 328 - Conservation Crop Rotation
- 340 - Cover Crop
- 386 - Field Border
- 590 - Nutrient Management
FY23 OTI Timeline
June 9, 2023 - OTI 1st Pool Signup Deadline. Applications received after this date should be placed in signup 2.
June 14, 2023 - OTI Participant Eligibility Deadline for EQIP Classic signup 1.
July 21, 2023 - OTI Workload Prioritization Tool Deadline for signup 1 applications.
July 28, 2023 - OTI Assessment, Ranking, and Cost Estimation Deadline for EQIP Classic signup 1 applications.
August 1, 2023 - OTI Preapproval Deadline for application preapprovals completed by State Programs Staff.
August 25, 2023 - OTI 100% Obligation Deadline
More Information
Fact Sheet: Organic Transition Initiative Fact Sheet
USDA's Organic Transition Initiative via Farmers.gov: Organic Transition Initiative
NRCS Press Release: NRCS Announces $75 Million to Assist Producers Transitioning to Organic as Part of USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative