News & Research
Stay up-to-date on the latest from OCIA International, our operators, and the organic industry.News: Updates from the Organic Industry
We’ve compiled the latest news from the organic industry to help you stay up-to-date on industry innovations and regulatory updates.
2025 and 2026 Cost Share Applications
USDA’s Organic Certification Cost Share Program is accepting applications for the 2025 and 2026 program years. Certified organic farmers and handlers can apply now. Details: -Certified operations may receive 75% of their certification costs, up to $750 per...
OCIA Farmers advance to Grower of the Year Finals
We’re proud to share that OCIA certified organic farmers Harold and Ross Wilken of Janie’s Farm and Janie’s Mill have been named finalists for the 2025 Organic Grower of the Year Award at the Organic Grower Summit! Their commitment to organic farming and soil health...
New Funding for Organic Cost Share Program
July 2025- The Organic Certification Cost Share Program has been allocated $8 million per year through 2031 as part of the latest federal budget reconciliation legislation. This program offers partial reimbursement to certified organic farmers, ranchers, and...
The Communicator: Summer 2024 Edition
The Summer 2024 issue of OCIA’s quarterly newsletter, The Communicator, is now available in English and Spanish.
A First-Generation Farmer Perspective: Alan Wilson
First-generation farmer Alan Wilson shares his experiences and growth as the first person in his family to explore organic farming.
Putting Health First: Askegaard Organic Farm
For couple Mike and Barb Askegaard of Askegaard Organic Farm, organic farming provided a way to balance health in all aspects of their lives- their family, their customers, and the environment. “We decided to certify as organic because we saw the negative effects...
The Communicator: Spring 2024 Edition
A new issue of OCIA International's quarterly newsletter, The Communicator, is available now! You can access the English PDF HERE, and the Spanish PDF HERE. Both versions are also readable below.Spring Communicator -- EnglishSpring...
Future Leaders in Agriculture Program
The USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture Program offers undergraduate and graduate students in agriculture-related studies an opportunity to meet with producers, policymakers, business, government and industry leaders at the Forum and to discuss issues at the...
Nominations Open for USDA Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee
The USDA is accepting nominations to fill vacancies on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. FVIAC provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on issues of importance to the produce industry. The nomination deadline is...




