The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has opened two organic cost-share programs for applications. Certified organic operations may apply for and receive reimbursement from both programs.
“Original” cost share offers organic operation reimbursement of 50 percent of eligible expenses related to certification, including State Organic Program registration fees up to a maximum of $500 per scope. Find more information on the “original” cost-share program at the USDA’s website.
“New” cost share is open to certified organic and transitional producers. It offers to pay 25 percent of eligible organic certification expenses, up to a maximum of $250 per scope as well as
- 75 percent of eligible transitional expenses, up to $750;
- 75 percent of registration fees for organic educational events, up to $200;
- 75 percent of soil testing fees, up to $100.
Find more information on “new” cost share at the USDA’s site for the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification program (OTECP)
FSA is accepting applications for both programs through October 31, 2022. Certified organic producers and handlers may apply to both cost-share programs for reimbursement of eligible certification-related costs paid between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022. Transitional producers are only eligible to apply to OTECP.
Many state departments of agriculture will also administer “original” cost share beginning in June. Operations should apply to OTECP through FSA.
Beginning in late June, CCOF will support members in applying for both cost-share programs by sending out a summary itemizing eligible certification-related expenses.
For further information, contact CCOF Senior Outreach & Policy Specialist Jane Sooby at jsooby@ccof.org.