Over $31 Million Allocated in 2024 Assistance Payments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently announced a significant increase in support for the organic dairy sector with a second round of payments totaling $8.7 million through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) for the year 2024.
This initiative is designed to assist dairy producers in coping with the challenges of market volatility, rising input and transportation costs, and fluctuating feed prices that have particularly impacted the organic dairy industry.
This latest funding follows a substantial initial payout of $23 million, bringing the total ODMAP 2024 payments to over $31 million.
The program underscores the USDA’s commitment to supporting the organic dairy sector during periods of economic pressure.
Organic dairy farmers have faced unique hardships, making this targeted financial assistance crucial for maintaining the sustainability of organic dairy operations.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA), which manages ODMAP, accepted applications from producers between September 30 and December 13.
The aid provided under ODMAP 2024 aims to cover the projected marketing costs for 2024 based on the producers' expenses in 2023.
Additionally, it offers a one-time cost-share payment calculated from the pounds of organic milk marketed in the previous year or estimated marketing costs for 2024, especially for operations that have increased milk production.
ODMAP 2024’s strategy is not merely about immediate financial relief but also about supporting the long-term sustainability of certified organic dairy operations.
The program is a vital component of the USDA’s efforts to ensure that organic dairy producers can navigate the current economic landscape and emerge stronger, preserving the integrity and viability of organic dairy farming in the United States.