WASHINGTON — More organic farmers and handlers will be able to opt out of conventional check-off commodity programs and use funds to support organic programs under a new rule announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Dec. 31, 2015, final rule expanded the certified organic product exemption from assessments collected by commodity promotion programs and marketing orders.

Starting Feb. 29, the exemption for organic farmers, handlers, marketers or importers with the 100 percent organic label will be extended to the primary organic label (95 percent organic) and to those who work with a mixture of organic and conventional products as authorized under the 2014 farm bill.

The Organic Trade Association hailed the rule as a significant development, as USDA estimates not having to contribute to conventional check-off programs will free up an additional $13.6 million a year to invest back into the organic industry through research, education and promotional programs.

“It was the clear intention of Congress to provide choice for organic farmers, ranchers and handlers,” Laura Batch, executive director and chief executive officer of the OTA, said Jan. 4. “We are pleased that the organic sector will be able to invest in its unique needs for organic research and promotion that are so critical to the future success of organic.”

OTA has been working for more than three years on a check-off promotion program specifically designed for the organic sector that it estimates could raise at least $30 million a year. OTA submitted a proposal to USDA in May for the GRO Organic Program.

“The farm bill also authorized USDA to consider and hold a vote on an organic check-off, and we now look forward to USDA moving forward on our proposal,” said Marni Karlin, OTA’s vice president of government affairs.

Along with the 22 national commodity check-off programs in place in the United States, USDA said the following market orders will provide exemptions: Florida citrus, Texas citrus, Florida avocados, Washington apricots, Washington sweet cherries, Southeastern California grapes, Oregon-Washington pears, cranberries, tart cherries, California olives, Colorado potatoes, Georgia Vidalia onions, Washington/Oregon Walla Walla onions, Idaho-Eastern Oregon onions, Texas onions, Florida tomatoes, California almonds, Oregon-Washington hazelnuts, California walnuts, Far West spearmint oil, California dates, California raisins, and California dried prunes.