Please see cost share program updates that were made on August 10, 2020.

 

The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCCSP) assists certified operators with a portion of the total organic certification cost for both new or renewing clients. The program refunds up to 50%, or a maximum of $500 of certification costs per “scope” — crops, wild harvest, livestock, processing, and handling — for eligible organic operations.

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Clients must be certified organic under the National Organic Program to receive cost share assistance. Organic farmers and handlers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marina Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible to participate.

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The maximum reimbursement is 50 percent (or up to $500) of certification costs per USDA National Organic Program certification scope, including application fees, certification fees and inspection costs. Eligible certification scopes include: crops, wild harvest, livestock, processing, and handling. Reimbursements will be made on a first-come, first serve basis until all funds have been disbursed, or the grant period ends.

 

DOCUMENTATION

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All applicants must submit the following documentation to be eligible for cost share reimbursement:

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• A completed organic cost share reimbursement application form

• Organic certificate with date, certification number, and name of certifier

• Itemized invoice detailing certification fees that have been marked “paid”

• Financial forms as required by FSA
  
   

Please see cost share program updates that were made on August 10, 2020.