Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP)
Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
03/09/2022
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
03/31/2022
22,450
22,450
22,450
22,450
0
0
FSA is issuing payments under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability (CARES) Act of up to $20 million to assist certified organic operations and transitional operations with eligible expenses related to obtaining or renewing organic certification and eligible educational expenses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these operations faced challenges due to loss of markets, increased costs, and labor shortages, in addition to costs related to obtaining or renewing their USDA organic certification, which producers and handlers of conventionally produced commodities do not incur. Transitional operations also faced the financial challenge of implementing practices required to obtain USDA organic certification without being able to obtain the premium prices associated with certified organic commodities. Further, for organic operations requesting an addition or update to their existing certification, the new land or facility must quickly move through the certification process, which typically includes an on-site inspection. Certified organic products must also meet very specific packaging and labeling requirements. Overall, this leads to reduced flexibility and unique supply chain challenges for organic businesses and farms when on-site inspections are not possible, as has often been the case during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form FSA-883 Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP)
Supporting Document OTECP 2022.docx
Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements OTCEP.xlsm
Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP)