Press Releases

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced almost $12 million in funding this week to help farmers become certified organic thanks to legislation written by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.  Pingree's Local Farms, Food and Jobs Act included the increased funding and the provision was later included in the Farm Bill.
 
"The demand for organic food is far outpacing the supply," Pingree said.  "Organic products bring a higher price which is good for farmers, but the cost of getting certified is sometimes a stumbling block.  Helping out with those expenses is good for local farm economies and good for consumers."
 
The USDA is making $11.9 million available to farmers seeking to get certified and for current organic farmers who need to pay to recertification fees.  Most of the funding will flow through State Agriculture Agencies, but nearly $1 millionwill be available through the Agricultural Management Assistance Organic Certification Cost Share Program to farmers in Maine and a handful of otherstates.
 
For more information, go to the National Organic Program's cost share website.