USDA to Help Cover Organic Certification Costs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced funds available to help cover organic certification costs for organic farmers and handlers.
“Producers can be reimbursed for expenses made between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021, including application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, travel expenses for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments and postage. For 2021, the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) will reimburse 50% of a certified operation’s allowable certification costs, up to a maximum of $500 for each of the following categories (or “scopes”): crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling, and state organic program fees.”
Organic farmers and ranchers may apply through an FSA county office or a participating state agency.
For more information about the organic certification cost share program, please visit the OCCSP webpage, visit usda.gov/organic, or contact your local USDA Service Center.
