Opportunities in Organic Act of 2023

The Opportunities in Organic Act of 2023 creates a new federal program to help farmers and food handlers transition to and maintain organic certification. It provides direct cost coverage for organic certification (up to $1,500 per producer, with higher payments allowed for socially disadvantaged farmers or in high-cost regions) and funds eligible nonprofits to offer technical assistance, training, and financial support for organic practices like soil health management and cover cropping. The program specifically targets socially disadvantaged farmers, small farms, and communities near schools or sensitive ecosystems, with $50 million allocated for 2024-2025 and $100 million annually by 2027. Nonprofits administering the program must report on outcomes, including participation rates, barriers faced, and how many farmers achieved organic certification.