On September 3, 2026, the Organic Farmers Association, in conjunction with the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Association and the Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, released a guidance document and fillable form related to the Temporary Variance provisions in the organic regulations at 205.290. This resource provides details on how an operation can request a temporary variance with their certifier (for example, the pasture rule or DMI requirements in the midst of a drought). Given the drought conditions in Maine and New Hampshire over the last two seasons, MCS wants to share this information with organic producers to help make the process easier, and give producers the information needed to submit a request along with the necessary supporting documentation.

Temporary Variance Guidance & Producer Form

Temporary Variance Producer Worksheet_Fillable