responsible for developing and enforcing clear standards and expanding trade opportunities to create new markets for U . S . organic operations .
Below are examples of the USDA ’ s successes and our commitment to growing organic agriculture :
Organic Research Over the last two years , USDA invested $ 81.5 million in research to support organic production , including efforts to develop sustainable nutrient management in organic grain cropping , livestock , and reduced-tillage systems , as well as projects to improve the productivity and success of organic agriculture .
USDA ’ s National Agricultural Statistics Service released its third Organic Producer Survey , which will help us evaluate and establish organic crop insurance programs , in addition to providing timely and reliable information to the industry .
Streamlining Services In the last two years , more than 1,100 farms have benefitted from $ 15 million in assistance through USDA ’ s Natural Resources Conservation Service ( NRCS ) Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative . NRCS also streamlined their conservation activity plans for producers who are transitioning to organic farming practices .
Simplifying Certification In the last two years , USDA Rural Development awarded $ 27 million in grants and loans to support organic producers and handlers .
In 2014 , AMS issued over 9,000 reimbursements totaling over $ 7 million to defray certification costs for organic producers and handlers . Our Sound & Sensible initiative also awarded project contracts to 14 organizations to create tools and resources that help make organic certification more accessible , attainable , and affordable .
Organic Education and Resources In 2012 , AMS sponsored the launch of the Organic Literacy Initiative training and outreach program to help USDA employees better understand and serve organic operators . Over 30,000 USDA staff members have taken the training .
In 2013 , the Organic Working Group established an online “ one-stop-shop ” at www . usda . gov / organic , which features USDA ’ s full range of services for organic producers .
Serving Organic Markets USDA continues to expand markets for American organic products abroad , adding to the list of agreements that increase market access for U . S . producers . This Administration has secured trade arrangements with five countries so far : Canada , the European Union , Japan , Korea , and Switzerland .
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