USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program: Growing Opportunities for Farmers

include application fees, inspection fees, and even the cost of transitional certification for those moving from conventional to organic practices.

Participating in this program not only eases the financial strain but also helps streamline the organic certification process. By providing financial support, the USDA Farm Service Agency aims to encourage more farmers to pursue organic certification, thereby expanding the availability of organic products in the marketplace. This is a win-win situation for farmers and consumers alike.

If you’re interested in taking advantage of the Organic Certification Cost Share Program, all you need to do is reach out to your local county FSA office. Our dedicated staff are ready to guide you through the application process, answer any questions you may have, and assist you every step of the way. They possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with farmers like you, and they will ensure that you have all the necessary information to make informed decisions for your farm.

The Organic Certification Cost Share Program has been helping farmers across the country for several years now. However, its benefits and impact cannot be overstated. By participating in the program, you can access new markets, increase profitability, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

I am thrilled to see more farmers embracing organic practices and exploring the advantages of organic certification. Your commitment to sustainable farming not only benefits your own operations but also helps protect the environment and promotes healthier lifestyles for consumers.

I encourage you to take the next step toward organic certification by learning more about the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Reach out to your local county FSA office today to discover how you can unlock the potential of organic farming and grow your farm’s success.

Program Deadlines

Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) – Extended to July 14

USDA’s Pandemic Assistance Relief Program (PARP) wraps-up and fills remaining gaps in previous pandemic assistance. To be eligible for PARP, an agricultural producer must have been in the business of farming during at least part of the 2020 calendar year and had a 15% or greater decrease in allowable gross revenue for the 2020 calendar year, as compared to a baseline year.

Emergency Relief Program (ERP

The NJLCA Today

By Gail Woolcott Executive Director

Hot Fun in the Summertime!

and staying competitive. NJCSE will offer an extensive range of exhibitors, demos and presentations that provide exclusive insights into cutting-edge developments and opportunities. Attendees in the green and outdoor living industries have the chance to be at the forefront of their field and gain a competitive edge by leveraging the knowledge gained at the event.

Educational Opportunities: Trade shows often feature educational seminars, workshops, and panel discussions led by industry experts. NJCSE will offer traditional education, but what is great about this event is that we will also offer hands-on workshops and demonstrations. These sessions provide valuable educational content, sharing insights and best practices. Contractors will have the chance to deepen their knowledge, learn from industry leaders, and gain fresh perspectives on challenges and opportunities relevant to their businesses.

Competitive Intelligence: At a trade show, attendees can gain a deeper understanding of the market landscape, industry benchmarks, and emerging trends. This knowledge can be invaluable when shaping their own business strategies and making informed decisions for future growth.

Attending the New Jersey Contractors Showcase Expo could be a transformative experience for green and outdoor living industry businesses, offering a wealth of opportunities to expand networks, gain industry insights, try out new products, and stay ahead of the competition. It is an investment that can yield significant returns and open doors to new horizons.

I always say that one of the greatest benefits of membership in the NJLCA is the relationships and knowledge obtained from the

2) Phase Two – Extended to July 14

USDA’s Emergency Relief Program (ERP 2) Phase Two fills remaining gaps in previous ERP natural disaster assistance. To be eligible for ERP Phase Two, producers must have suffered a decrease in allowable gross revenue in 2020 or 2021 due to necessary expenses related to losses of eligible crops from a qualifying natural disaster event. Assistance will be primarily to producers of crops that were not covered by Federal Crop Insurance or NAP, since crops covered by Federal Crop Insurance and NAP were included in the assistance under ERP Phase One.

Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) –July 26

CLEAR30 for Producers with Expiring CRP Acres – July 31

Editor’s Note: Bob Andrzejczak is the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in New Jersey. He can also be reached at 609587-0104 during regular business hours. For more information, please visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/ state-offices/New-Jersey/ sed-biography/index a moment to enjoy the stunning landscape throughout our gorgeous state and take advantage of the parks, botanical gardens, arboretums and of course, industry events this summer! education and from fellow members. Furthermore, if we can get you to a meeting and actively participate, you can truly understand the value. The NJCSE is an opportunity to do this on an even larger scale, with hundreds of attendees and exhibitors, educators and experts. Plus, what could be better than food trucks for lunch!

If you are part of the landscape, hardscape, nursery, horticultural, agricultural or outdoor living industries, I urge you to mark your calendar for August 2, 2023 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at County College of Morris and secure your ticket to this exciting event. Registering is simple and can be done on the event website www. njcse.com

We look forward to seeing you and wish you a wonderful summer with a plethora of flora and fauna, the smell of freshly cut grass, and nights around the firepit! Take

Editor’s Note: Gail Woolcott is the Executive Director for the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. Gail received the New York State Turf & Landscape Association 2022 “Person of the Year” award on December 1, 2022. Gail also received a proclamation from the Westchester County, New York Board of Legislators proclaiming December 1, 2022 as “Gail Woolcott Day” in Westchester County. Gail has also been presented with a community service award from the Borough of Fairview, New Jersey for her assistance in leading the 9-11 Memorial Park project and the Legislative Champion of the Year award from the Federation of Employers and Workers of America. She can be reached at 201-703-3600 or by emailing gwoolcott@ njlca.org.