July 2021 Organic Link

Organic Certification Cost Share

Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has opened the application period for reimbursement of costs related to organic certification through the USDA National Organic Program. Wisconsin farms and businesses that produce, process, or package certified organic agricultural products are eligible to be reimbursed for 50% of certification-related costs (up to $500 per category of certification) for expenses paid from Oct. 1, 2020 - Sept. 30, 2021. The application period ends Oct. 31.

The cost-share program in Minnesota opens in September.

To learn when your state's Farm Service Agency (FSA) will open applications, use this map to connect with your local FSA office. 

Origin of Livestock Comment Period

The public comment period for the Origin of Livestock proposed rule to the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) closes July 12, 2021. The proposed rule would close a loophole on how conventional livestock are transitioned into organic production, leveling the playing field for producers of all sizes. To make it easier to comment, the National Organic Coalition has created this template you can customize to include your voice on this important organic integrity issue.  

Organic Livestock & Poultry Practices Rule 

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced he has directed the National Organic Program to "begin a rulemaking" on the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule (aka the Animal Welfare Rule that was withdrawn under the Trump Administration) and include a proposal to disallow the use of porches as outdoor space in organic production over time. Read the Center for Food Safety's brief on the background and impact of this direction.

Letter to USDA Secretary on Organic Integrity

Jim Riddle, a former chair of the National Organic Standards Board and the 2019 Organic Farmer of the Year, has written an open letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack sharing his concerns about the integrity of the USDA Organic label. In the letter, Riddle explains why he believes hydroponic operations should not be certified organic and recommends a one-year timeline to bring all operations into compliance with the soil-building requirements of the Organic Food Production Act. He also suggests an alternative label for organic hydroponic operations. 

Fall Meeting of NOSB

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has announced dates for its semiannual meeting: Oct. 13-21 in Sacramento, California. The meeting will be webcast live as well. 

The NOSB invites public comment on agenda topics and will hear comments in-person at the meeting in Sacramento and during the webinars leading up to the meeting. To be considered, written comments and requests for oral comment speaking slots must be received by Sept. 30, 2021.

Meeting materials and details on how to register for oral comment slots or submit written comments will be added to the National Organic Standard Board (NOSB) Fall 2021 Meeting webpage as they become available.

Targeted EQIP Signup 

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is holding a targeted signup for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to support climate-smart conservation practices in 10 states—Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are the only Midwest states included. Contact your local USDA Service Center immediately if you plan to put in an application. NRCS will rank applications for funding based on expected climate change mitigation benefits.

Kneading Equity

The Artisan Grain Collaborative (AGC) co-hosts an online conversation Monday, July 12 at 3 p.m. CT about connecting pecans from Black farmers in Georgia to wholesale bakers in the Midwest. Kneading Equity: Georgia Pecans in Midwest Bakeries features Shirley Sherrod and Paul Jones of New Communities and AGC member Rachel Bernier-Green of Laine’s Bake Shop.

Climate Solutions for Farmers

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has published an 8-page issue brief outlining the potential problems of carbon markets, noting that carbon markets should not be a substitute for strong federal programs that bolster conservation practices currently in place on organic and sustainable farms.

"Policymakers should invest in programs with the longest successful track record of addressing on-farm stewardship—the farm bill conservation, research, renewable energy, and rural development programs—as the primary strategy to advance and scale up climate beneficial farming practices. These programs support farmers and ranchers who implement a wide array of practices from increasing crop and livestock diversity, managing nutrients, and producing on-farm renewable energy."

Organic Livestock & Pasture Management  

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is inviting farmers to audit the fall-semester course on organic management of livestock and pasture. For details, contact Nadia Alber at nalber@wisc.edu or 608-265-6437.

Food Safety Coaching 

Iowa Valley RC&D is accepting applications through July 12 for its Clean Start Food Safety Coaching Program. The program, which runs from August through December 2021, helps beginning produce farmers in Eastern Iowa implement food safety best practices on their farms through individual coaching, the creation of a written food safety plan, and a $2,000 stipend for each farm.