USDA Extends Deadline for Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program
Source: DairyNews.today
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the application deadline for its 2024 Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) to December 13, 2024, granting producers two extra weeks to submit applications. The program is open to certified organic dairy producers raising cows, goats, or sheep for milk production.
ODMAP 2024 aims to address challenges in the organic dairy sector, including market volatility, rising input and transportation costs, and fluctuating feed supply and prices. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides financial assistance under the program to offset marketing costs projected for 2024, based on the producers’ 2023 expenses.
“By extending the deadline, we’re ensuring organic dairy producers have additional time to access the support they need,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We remain committed to sustaining the organic dairy market as producers navigate external challenges.”
Enhanced Benefits for Producers
The 2024 program offers significant improvements, including an increased payment rate of $1.68 per hundredweight of milk, up from $1.10 in the previous year. Additionally, the production cap has been raised from five million pounds to nine million pounds.
Producers can receive a one-time cost-share payment based on their marketing costs for organic milk marketed in 2023 or estimated 2024 costs for operations with increased production. This financial assistance aims to help producers maintain operations during a period of market uncertainty.
Application Process
Producers interested in applying should contact their local USDA Service Center. Applications must include certification of 2023 milk production, organic certification documentation, and completed application forms. Producers must also verify their status as certified organic dairy operations for both 2023 and 2024.
Complementary Programs and Support
ODMAP 2024 complements other USDA assistance initiatives, such as the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, which has already provided over $36 million in benefits for 2024. The USDA encourages producers to explore additional resources available through its FSA Dairy Programs webpage and local USDA Service Centers.
The USDA, under the Biden-Harris administration, continues to prioritize strengthening local and regional food systems, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. For more information, visit usda.gov.
“By extending the deadline, we’re ensuring organic dairy producers have additional time to access the support they need,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We remain committed to sustaining the organic dairy market as producers navigate external challenges.”
Enhanced Benefits for Producers
The 2024 program offers significant improvements, including an increased payment rate of $1.68 per hundredweight of milk, up from $1.10 in the previous year. Additionally, the production cap has been raised from five million pounds to nine million pounds.
Producers can receive a one-time cost-share payment based on their marketing costs for organic milk marketed in 2023 or estimated 2024 costs for operations with increased production. This financial assistance aims to help producers maintain operations during a period of market uncertainty.
Application Process
Producers interested in applying should contact their local USDA Service Center. Applications must include certification of 2023 milk production, organic certification documentation, and completed application forms. Producers must also verify their status as certified organic dairy operations for both 2023 and 2024.
Complementary Programs and Support
ODMAP 2024 complements other USDA assistance initiatives, such as the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, which has already provided over $36 million in benefits for 2024. The USDA encourages producers to explore additional resources available through its FSA Dairy Programs webpage and local USDA Service Centers.
The USDA, under the Biden-Harris administration, continues to prioritize strengthening local and regional food systems, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. For more information, visit usda.gov.
