The Organic Trade Association (OTA) recently acknowledged the US Department of Agriculture’s continuing support for organic dairy farmers through the Organic Dairy Market Assistance Program (ODMAP). The USDA announcement indicates that the organization is making available $58 million in assistance funds to US organic dairies. The OTA indicated that the news is good for organic operations, particularly small- and medium-sized operations, who are dealing with sharply increased operating and marketing costs, and organic commodities in short supply.

USDA is also making notable improvements for farmers applying for ODMAP assistance. The organization is using organic-specific pricing to make financial assistance calculations, which will result in more realistic aid levels for organic dairy operators.

$58 million

Continued support

in assistance funds to US organic dairies

USDA increased its payment rate to $1.68 per cwt from $1.10.

Increased payment rate

The increase will provide coverage for 9 million pounds of milk per operation, compared to 5 million pounds in 2023.

Complementing other dairy assistance

ODMAP 2024 dovetails with other programs, including Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), with more than $36 million in benefits paid for the 2024 program year to date.

SOURCE: The Organic Trade Association