Provide support to transitioning and organic agriculture producers in the U.S. West/southwest (california, nevada, utah, arizona, new mexico, texas, and hawaii)

The agreement provides for farmer-to-farmer mentoring, community building, technical assistance, workforce development, and data and reporting. The recipient and partners will plan, coordinate, and oversee activities such as direct farmer mentoring, field days, and educational events. The goal of the award is to help agriculture producers overcome barriers to organic production and certification, including during the three-year transition period prior to organic certification. Recipients will track program progress through data collection and will submit quarterly reports. This program will benefit agriculture producers through program activities and by creating technical assistance materials (factsheets, webinars) that will be made publicly available through USDA and other channels. The award will result in subawards to organic farming organizations, educational institutions, and others who work with farming communities. Subawardees will be responsible for carrying out one or more primary activities, such as coordinating the mentorship program in their state or developing technical assistance materials.