The USDA has launched the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) 2024, providing $58 million in funding to support organic dairy producers in enhancing market sustainability and addressing challenges such as market volatility and rising costs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the availability of $58 million in funding for eligible organic dairy producers through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) 2024. This initiative aims to bolster the organic dairy market and enhance the consumption of organic dairy products across the country. The USDA, a key federal agency responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, and food, is committed to supporting the sustainability of the organic dairy sector as it faces various market challenges.
Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), emphasized the importance of the program,
“The Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program continues USDA’s commitment to keep the market for organic dairies sustainable as they weather challenges outside of their control.”
Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA)
In preparation for the launch of ODMAP 2024, the USDA engaged with industry leaders to tailor assistance that addresses their specific needs, resulting in increased payment rates and higher production levels eligible for marketing cost-share assistance.
ODMAP 2024 aims to alleviate the impacts of market volatility, escalating input and transportation costs, and fluctuating feed supply and prices, which have presented unique challenges for the organic dairy industry. The program will assist certified organic dairy operations in covering projected marketing costs in 2024, calculated based on their marketing expenses in 2023. Applications for ODMAP 2024 will be accepted starting September 30, 2024.
Key improvements in ODMAP 2024 include an increased payment rate of $1.68 per hundredweight, up from the previous $1.10 per cwt, and a higher production threshold for marketing cost-share assistance, now set at nine million pounds compared to five million pounds previously. The program provides a one-time cost-share payment based on marketing costs for organic milk sold in 2023 or estimated marketing costs for those increasing their production or entering the organic dairy market in 2024.
Producers can apply for ODMAP 2024 from September 30 to November 29, 2024, by contacting their local USDA Service Center. To complete their applications, producers must certify their 2023 milk production, provide documentation of their organic certification, and submit a completed application form.
In addition to ODMAP 2024, organic dairy operations can benefit from other assistance programs, such as the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), which has already disbursed over $36 million in benefits for the 2024 program year.
For more information about USDA programs, producers are encouraged to reach out to their local USDA Service Center or visit the FSA Dairy Programs webpage. The FSA continues to support American farmers and ranchers through various programs aimed at enhancing agricultural operations and promoting sustainable farming practices.
