Organic agriculture uses cultural, biological and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. Whether you’re an established organic operation or thinking about transitioning to organic, USDA has programs and services available.
Organic Standards
Agricultural Marketing Service manages the National Organic Program and sets and enforces the national standards that protect the integrity of the USDA Organic Seal. They also list the Certification status of all organic farms and businesses in the U.S.
Learn how to get certified, locate a certifier or even how to become a certifier.
Organic Transition
Need Help Transitioning to Organic?
To get certified, farmers must carefully manage their land without using prohibited inputs like synthetic pesticides for 36 months.
The Organic Transition Initiative is a suite of programs to support farmers transitioning to organic production, including:
- Transition to Organic Partnership Program, provides field-based assistance, workshops, field days, access to resources and peer-to-peer mentoring for transitioning farmers.
- NRCS conservation assistance includes a new organic transition practice standard with mentorship and training by organic experts and sometimes, reimbursement for foregone income.
- Improving organic supply chain security in targeted markets to ensure transitioned products have access to processing, storage, distribution, and consumer markets.
Need Help with Organic Certification Fees?
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) reimburses producers for 75% or up to $750 per category of certification costs. Categories include:
- Crops
- Wild crops
- Livestock
- Processing/handling
- State organic program fees (California only)
The sign-up period to cover expenses incurred from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024 ran from May 15, 2024 to Oct. 31, 2024. FSA will issue payment as applications are received and approved.
Future sign-up dates will be posted here when available.
Conservation
For conservation assistance – from high tunnels to biodiversity and composting facilities – check out NRCS Assistance for Organics. We can help you comply with organic regulations and develop a conservation plan based on your goals and priorities for your land. In some cases, your conservation plan can be used as a part of your organic system plan when you apply for certification. Sometimes, we can also help you pay for the costs of conservation practices.
Through USDA's Organic Transition Initiative, launched in 2022, NRCS is investing $75 million in additional funds to help transitioning producers with conservation.
Access to Land and Capital
Organic farmers can apply for the same loans and programs as conventional farmers. Farm loans can help you buy or lease land, buy equipment, build or upgrade storage facilities, and help with other operating costs. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Farm Loan Assistance Tool.
Learn more about access to land and capital.
Insurance and Disaster Assistance
Agriculture is an inherently risky business. It’s important to plan for everyday business risks and those brought on by natural disasters. Federal crop insurance and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program are good options for managing risk.
We also offer disaster assistance to help your farm recover.
USDA Data, Research, and Support
Learn about Organic Economic and Market Information, Organic Trade, and Organic Production Surveys.
Through Organic Research, Education, and Extension Programs, USDA funds extension efforts with land-grant universities across the country, as well as research to support the continued growth of the organic sector.
Participate in USDA Extension’s eOrganic community of practice.
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Service Centers
Your first step should be to contact your USDA Service Center and make an appointment. Be sure to ask what documents you’ll need. Also consider -- what is your vision for your land and farm? What are your challenges?
If you need information in a language other than English, we offer free translation services.
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Farmer Coordinators
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinators are USDA team members that can help you understand the USDA process and find the right assistance for your operation. We have coordinators across the country, and some states also have organic champions.
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Self-Service Options
Learn how to sign up for a farmers.gov account. You can view loan information and manage conservation business online here.
We also have a number of tools to help you: find the right loan; learn about recovery options after natural disasters; or discover conservation options.
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RMA Specialty Crop Liaisons
RMA Specialty Crop Liaisons are located in each of the 10 regional offices throughout the US. The liaisons identify risk management needs for local specialty crop producers, which includes many organic producers.
Producers are encouraged to reach out to their local crop liaison with questions and to request additional information about crop insurance coverage for specialty crops.
Additional Resources
USDA's Organic Programs at a Glance
Download our Organic Programs at a Glance brochure for an overview of the USDA programs that support organic producers, processors, and handlers.
Training Resources
- Watch our Growing Organic with USDA Webinar.
- Download the webinar presentation.
- Read the webinar blog post (June 6, 2023).
- Learn about training available through the Organic Transition Initiative.
- Find online training through the Organic Integrity Learning Center. The Center supports the professional development and continuing education of people working to protect organic integrity including certifiers, inspectors, reviewers, and compliance specialists in organic businesses.
Resources for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
We offer help for the unique concerns of producers who meet the USDA definition of “historically underserved” -- beginning, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and military veterans. In addition, women in agriculture are helping to pave the way for a better future.
Use the Limited Resource Farmer Self Determination Tool to determine if you’re a limited resource producer.
Resources for Urban Growers
Learn about the resources available for Urban Growers and then about Urban Farming Grants and Cooperative Agreements available from USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.
Find Your Local Service Center
USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.
Learn more about our Urban Service Centers.
Visit the Risk Management Agency website to find a regional or compliance office or to find an insurance agent near you.