Transitioning to Organic signup ends June 15 in Maine
Applicants in Maine should apply for the initiative by June 15.
BANGOR, Maine (May 15, 2023) – Signup for conservation assistance for producers transitioning to organic production (USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative) is currently open, but ends June 15, 2023, for applicants in Maine.
As part of the multi-agency Organic Transition Initiative (OTI), USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will dedicate financial and technical assistance to a new organic management standard and partner with new organic technical experts to increase staff capacity and expertise.
The investment, which includes funds from the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), will help build new and better markets and income streams, strengthen local and regional food systems and increase affordable food supply for more Americans, while promoting climate-smart agriculture and ensuring equity for all producers. Eligible producers include farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and other producers beginning or in the process of transitioning to organic certification are encouraged to apply through NRCS at their local USDA Service Center.
For more information on the OTI please see the initial announcement from USDA.
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