III.
STREAMLINE AND INCREASE COMMUNICATION EFFORTS ABOUT THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST SHARE PROGRAM:
A simple change within the existing structure of the cost share program is to improve communication around the OCCSP. Despite years of outreach and announcements, some producers are still unfamiliar with the cost share program. In responses from the Oregon Tilth Client Farm Bill Feedback Survey, several producers indicate they are unaware of the program. Of those producers surveyed who did not participate in the cost share, the primary reason was that they were simply unaware of the program12. Further, the OCCSP application should be simplified, asking organic producers for only pertinent information. Streamlining this application process may encourage more applicants. Our recommendation is to increase communication efforts about cost share and streamline the process. This recommendation has the potential to remedy awareness but does not offer the same level of potential increased program utilization as recommendations I and II do. When feasible, these additional outreach strategies are well worth the investments of time and funding to implement them. It is important to note that there are instances where weak outreach campaigns result in lower utilization rates. Whether from a lack of funds to facilitate all of the printing and postage costs, or from a shortage of staff time, when there is low outreach, there are lower observed utilization rates. The more thorough a group’s outreach, the more producers will apply to the cost share program, and the more organic operations will be reimbursed for certification. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The second most prominent reason being that it was not worth producers’ time for the amount of reimbursement available.
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O R GA NIC C E RT I FI CAT I O N CO ST SHA RE WHI T E PAPER
