Organic Transition Initiative Direct Farmer Assistance (OTI)

Before crops can be certified organic, farmers must carefully manage their land without using prohibited inputs like synthetic pesticides for 36 months. During this transition period and during the first years after certification, farmers often face many technical and market challenges. The Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) is a $300 million multi-agency USDA effort to support this transition and build and strengthen organic markets. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service both have a major role in the Organic Transition Initiative.

Farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and other producers beginning or in the process of transitioning to organic certification.

Contact your local NRCS office to apply: http://www.farmers.gov/service-locator