Streamline & increase communication efforts about the Organic 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 program 12 . 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 thecost share program, and the more organic operations will be reimbursed forcertification.

CASE STUDY: MONTANA STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

62.46% COST SHARE UTILIZATION RATE

Improving the comprehensibility of the application itself has shown to increase utilization. For example, Montana has relatively high utilization rates at 62.46% as compared to the national average of 38.58% 13 .

An integral piece that has led to success in Montana is an application that is simple and straightforward. The cost share application released by the Montana State Department of Agriculture underwent multiple revisions to become one concise page that asks for only what is required. In conjunction with this, Montana has a three-level outreach initiative which includes sharing information on the cost share program during the certification process, sending notices of the application’s release, and later on, sending out a reminder email for those who have yet to submit paperwork.

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CASE STUDY: VERMONT ORGANIC FARMERS (VOF)

52.62% COST SHARE UTILIZATION RATE

We can also look at Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF) as a case study for a productive promotion campaign. Vermont, who also boasts relatively high utilization rates at 52.62% as compared to the national average of 38.58% 14 , has a strong outreach program.

VOF sends out emails as well as mailed letters announcing the application’s opening along with instructions on the process of applying. After the email and letter, a postcard is sent. This has shown to be quite helpful, as it can be less daunting to receive a postcard from an organic certifier that highlights an opportunity for reimbursement instead of an enclosed letter that could contain a more serious message potentially involving compliance or a bill. VOF goes one step further, sending out a robocall to producers. It’s important to note, this outreach is supported by the Agency of Agriculture in Vermont, as they have a working agreement and provide funds to VOF to do this.