The National Organic Program (NOP) is pleased to share two reports with the organic community:

• Organic Certification Cost Share Programs Report to Congress  
• Economic Impact Analysis of Proposed Regulations for Living Conditions for Organic Poultry

2013 Cost Share Report to Congress   

During Fiscal Year 2012, almost 9,600 certified organic farms and businesses participated in the Organic Certification Cost Share Programs.

These programs reimbursed farmers and businesses over $6.6 million for organic certification expenses, at an average of $688 per operation.

In Fiscal Year 2013, this program is available to farmers in 16 States.

2013 Organic Certification Cost Share Report to Congress

2013 Organic Certification Cost Share Program 

Economic Impact: Poultry Living Conditions  

Over the past few years, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has made a series of recommendations related to animal welfare.

Subsequently, the NOP contracted with a third party to prepare an economic impact analysis on potential changes to the living conditions requirements for organic poultry.

There were three phases to this project. Phases 1 and 2 were incremental steps that fed into and became part of the full Phase 3 report posted here. Work product from Phase 1 and 2 are included in this comprehensive Phase 3 document.

Given other urgent priorities at this time, we do not anticipate addressing the NOSB proposals on animal welfare in the near future.

However, we are sharing this report to inform stakeholders and encourage future discussions on this complex topic.

Economic Impact Analysis of Proposed Regulations for Living Conditions for Organic Poultry 
See links to Phase 1 and 2 on page 1  

The NOP facilitates trade and ensures integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. The NOP is part of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, which facilitates the competitive and efficient marketing of agricultural products. Learn more.