Good news for organic crop farmers! The National Organic Program (NOP) has released a new Transitional Production Plan (TPP) template on the AMS website. This TPP template is a game-changer for farmers who are making the switch to organic practices. It helps them create the necessary documentation to qualify for services from the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).
Before we get into the details of the TPP, here is a brief summary of services from the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) for organic growers to manage risks, adopt sustainable practices, and improve the overall health and productivity of their operations:
Risk Management Agency (RMA):
Crop Insurance: RMA offers various crop insurance programs that can provide financial protection against losses due to natural disasters, price fluctuations, or other risks. Organic growers can benefit from specific programs such as the Transitional and Organic Grower Assistance (TOGA) program, which supports farmers transitioning to organic production.
Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP): This program provides a risk management safety net for all commodities on the farm under one insurance policy. It's particularly useful for organic growers with diverse operations.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):
Conservation Planning: NRCS provides technical and financial assistance for developing conservation plans tailored to organic growers' operations. This helps identify natural resource concerns, develop strategies to address them, and implement best management practices.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Organic growers can apply for EQIP to receive financial assistance for implementing various conservation practices, including cover crops, crop rotations, pest management, and organic transition strategies.
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): This program supports ongoing conservation efforts on working lands, including organic operations. Organic growers can benefit from CSP for implementing advanced conservation practices that improve soil health, water quality, and biodiversity.
So how can the TPP Template help you? The TPP template is a stepping stone to help transitioning farmers get used to documenting their organic practices, which will come in handy when they apply for certification and need to submit an Organic System Plan (OSP).
Think of it like this: with the TPP template, farmers can potentially satisfy requirements for RMA’s transitional crop insurance and NRCS's Conservation Activity Plan 138 under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program’s Organic Initiative. Plus, it can serve as evidence of their organic practices in the OSP.
Even producers who aren't using prohibited substances and are adopting organic-compliant practices can benefit from the TPP. When a USDA-accredited certifier approves and signs the TPP, the farm will be listed as transitional in the Organic Integrity Database. This transitional status will be visible to certifiers and USDA employees, including RMA staff in charge of organic transitional crop insurance eligibility.
So, if you're an organic farmer, make sure to check out the TPP Template here. It could make your life easier and open doors to valuable resources and support!