News & Research
Stay up-to-date on the latest from OCIA International, our operators, and the organic industry.News: Updates from the Organic Industry
We’ve compiled the latest news from the organic industry to help you stay up-to-date on industry innovations and regulatory updates.
Two New Grant Opportunities
The USDA is accepting applications for two new grant opportunities: the Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant (IAG) program and the Local Meat Capacity Grant (Local MCap) program. Both programs focus on expanding or enhancing animal protein...
Informational Webinar on Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule
Tuesday, February 21, 1:00pm, Eastern Time The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) published the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule in the Federal Register on January 19, 2023. NOP will hold an informational webinar to provide an overview of the rule’s...
USDA Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) has announced an update to the USDA organic regulations that strengthens oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic products. Businesses that are a part of the organic food, ingredient and service...
Funds Available to Help Restore and Protect Rangeland
Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Nebraska producers have funding opportunities to help address the spread of invasive woody vegetation on rangeland. Landowners interested in receiving funding should...
USDA Invests $3.3 Million in Two New Partnerships to Expand Outreach on Crop Insurance to Underserved Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing approximately $3.3 million in two new partnerships that will train and equip the next generation of crop insurance agents, adjusters and outreach educators about crop insurance options. These partnerships with the...
Transition to Organic Partnership Program – Plains Region
LINCOLN, NE: The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a USDA program investing up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations, across the United States, who will partner with others to provide technical...
USDA Extends Comment Period for Two Organic Rules
USDA values public comments as a vital step in the rulemaking process. Public comments offer key insights to help USDA best understand and balance needs across the organic sector. In response to stakeholder requests, USDA is extending the public comment periods for...
USDA to Invest up to $300 million in New Organic Transition Initiative
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced details of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) $300 million investment, including with American Rescue Plan funds, in a new Organic Transition Initiative to provide comprehensive support for farmers transitioning to...
Assistance Available for Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by Wildfire
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has funding available to assist agricultural producers whose land was impacted by recent wildfires. Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), funding is available to...