By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a second round of payments for organic dairy farmers through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) 2024. This round provides an additional $8.7 million in funding to help producers manage increased costs and market challenges.
Combined with the first round of payments, totaling $23 million, the overall support provided to organic dairy producers now exceeds $31 million.
Organic dairy farmers have faced several challenges, including higher transportation and input costs, market volatility, and fluctuating feed supply and prices. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) aims to address these issues with ODMAP 2024 payments, offering financial relief to keep organic dairy operations sustainable until market conditions stabilize.
“This funding gives organic dairy producers critical support as they continue to weather a combination of challenges outside of their control,” said John Patterson, FSA State Executive Director in Ohio.
How ODMAP 2024 Works:
The program provides financial assistance based on a producer’s projected marketing costs for 2024, calculated from their 2023 costs. For producers with increased milk production, payments are determined based on estimated 2024 costs.
ODMAP 2024 includes a one-time cost-share payment to help organic dairy farmers manage marketing expenses. Immediate financial assistance ensures that certified organic dairy farms remain operational and resilient during the ongoing challenges.
The USDA remains committed to supporting organic dairy farmers through programs like ODMAP, helping them navigate the economic hurdles of 2024 while fostering long-term sustainability for the industry. For further details, farmers can contact their local FSA offices.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Ohio, Government & Policy