TO CREATE SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE FOR THIS VITAL PROGRAM, OUR POLICY SOLUTIONS ARE ADVISED AS FOLLOWS: I.
INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE OCCSP A. Reinstate the 75% cap B. Increase maximum reimbursement
to $1,500 per scope
C. Allow more organic and transitional
costs incurred during certification to be reimbursed
II.
ORGANIC CERTIFIERS TO APPLY AND ADMINISTER THE COST SHARE PROGRAM A. Organic certifiers partner with the USDA
and state agencies to manage the OCCSP program on behalf of their clients
B. Organic certifiers to administer the
OCCSP in full for all their clients
C. Compensate certifiers for the staffing
and material expenses necessary to support program success via partnerships or administration
III. STREAMLINE AND INCREASE COMMUNICATION EFFORTS A. Organic certifiers should enhance and
expand communications efforts to raise awareness and educate producers on the cost share program
B. The OCCSP should be simplified, asking
those applying only relevant information
C. Certifiers should provide inspectors with
cost share information and materials to spread awareness and usage of the program
D. Offer funding to certifiers that offsets
outreach and education campaigns and materials
