2.
POLICY SOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Categorized from most beneficial to least
I.
INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST SHARE PROGRAM
Further, the program should prioritize Historically Underserved operations that would benefit the most from the cost share. The 2018 Farm Bill definition of Historically Underserved includes
The most fundamental problem
socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource,
with the cost share program is
and veteran farmers and ranchers7. These
the amount of reimbursement.
producers should be prioritized by giving them first
This was exacerbated by the 2020
access to funds and/or providing them higher cost
funding cut. Organic certification is no small feat.
share levels.
It involves record keeping, detailed planning, clear comprehension of regulations and input
In the Oregon Tilth Client Farm Bill Feedback Survey,
requirements, as well as a three-year transition
many respondents noted the cost of certification
period of organic practices without the benefits
as a barrier. One respondent wrote that the cost
from organic premiums.
of certification and inspection is “staggering & stifling for [a] smaller farmer,” with another
The cost of organic certification (and inspection)
respondent claiming certification and inspection
comes on top of these investments. While average
costs are simply “Way too expensive,” especially
certification costs vary by state and range up to
considering how producers “must pay travel costs
$5,000 a year in some states, the average cost
[of] inspectors.” It was also noted that the cost share
of certification is $2,813.165 which is a dramatic
program has to be significant enough in order to
increase of more than 85% from 2012 when the
merit all of the paperwork and effort that is required.
national average was only $1,5166. This increase in certification costs is directly linked to increased oversight and verification protocols to protect organic integrity. In those years organic certifiers have strengthened systems to prevent fraud and implemented additional regulations.
Jacobs Farm del Cabo
Photo by Francisco Salas
To keep up with this increased cost of certification, total funding for the OCCSP should be increased
Moreover, similar conclusions
to meet 75% of certification costs, up to $1,500
were found in the 2017 report,
per scope while reimbursing broader costs like
Breaking New Ground:
transition, soil testing, technical assistance
Farmer Perspectives on
and more.
Organic Transition, conducted jointly by Oregon Tilth and Oregon State University’s
6
|
O R GA NIC C E RT IFI CAT I O N CO ST SHA RE WHI T E PAPER
