USDA's Organic Transition Initiative (OTI)
Before crops can be certified organic, farmers must carefully manage their land without using prohibited supplements like synthetic pesticides for 36 months (about 3 years). During this transition period and during the first years after certification, farmers often face many technical and market challenges.
The Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) is a $300 million multi-agency USDA effort to support this transition for farmers to build and strengthen organic markets. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Risk Management Agency each have a major role in the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI).
To learn more, contact Millard Locklear, Agriculture and Natural Resources Manager, at 910.674.1751 or
