The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the application deadline for the 2024 Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) to December 13, 2024, giving organic dairy producers two additional weeks to apply. The program offers $58 million in financial assistance to certified organic dairy operations producing milk from cows, goats, and sheep.
ODMAP 2024 aims to alleviate challenges from market volatility, rising input costs, and unstable feed prices. “Extending the deadline gives hardworking organic dairy producers additional time to request the support they need,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.
Program Enhancements
ODMAP 2024 includes key improvements, such as:
- Increased Payment Rate: Payments have risen to $1.68 per hundredweight, up from $1.10.
- Higher Production Cap: The cap is now nine million pounds, compared to the previous five million pounds.
Payments are based on marketing costs for organic milk in 2023 or estimated costs for 2024 if production has increased.
Application Details
To apply, producers must certify their 2023 or estimated 2024 milk production, provide organic certification, and complete the application form at their local USDA Service Center.
ODMAP complements other USDA programs like Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), which has already delivered over $36 million in benefits for 2024.
For more information or assistance, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov.
