Washington, D.C.—The Organic Trade Association (OTA) announced that it has been selected as a national partner for the U.S. Agriculture Department’s (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
TOPP is key component of USDA’s broad multi-agency drive to expand organic agriculture by providing more direct support and technical assistance to producers across the United States. It is part of USDA’s $300 million Organic Transition Initiative (OTI), which was announced last year. USDA said OTI, which is the largest single investment in organic agriculture ever made by the agency, aims to:
- Build new and better markets and streams of income for farmers and producers
- Reverse a trend of slow growth in farmers transitioning to organic
- Open opportunities for new and beginning organic farmers
- Expand consumer access to organic foods.
OTA's Role in USDA's Organic Transition Initiative
- support market development for organic products
- facilitate the matching of organic producers and suppliers
- educate handlers in effective ways of dealing with organic products.
“OTA is honored to be named national partner for USDA in this important program,” said Tom Chapman, OTA CEO, in a press release. “Supporting market development and access for transitioning and organic producers and handlers is vital for the long-term success of USDA's Organic Transition Initiative. By leveraging our experience and in-depth knowledge of organic, industry network, and collaborative approach, we know we can contribute to the success of the USDA TOPP initiative, and having Rodale as our core partner ensures even greater outcomes for the program.”
Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute, added, “Consumer demand for organic products has been growing rapidly in the United States, but domestic production and handling capacity have not kept pace. Through this national partnership with the USDA and the Organic Trade Association, Rodale Institute, the global leader in organic agricultural research, education, and direct farmer support programs, will teach producers how to successfully adopt certified organic handling and processing practices. The Institute’s innovative organic consulting division will also provide on-the-ground training and market development assistance to producers across the nation. If one thing is clear, it’s that this critical and in-demand partnership will lead to better outcomes for both producers and consumers of organic agriculture in the United States.”
