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Leer información en español sobre el Programa para Reembolsar los Costos de Certificación Orgánica.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided funds to several state organic programs to be distributed to certified organic operations. Eligible entities will be reimbursed up to 75 percent of their organic certification costs, not to exceed $750 per year. A new round of available funding for 2010 has been announced in California. Operations that receive organic certification on or between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010 may apply for reimbursement. Deadline for receipt of applications is November 30, 2010.
To ensure that your application is considered and to improve your chance of receiving funds it is important to submit complete and correct information and documentation. As a member service CCOF is providing all the forms you need to complete. Please follow the steps below carefully.
How to get organic certification cost share funds in California:
(For other states see below.)
- Read
California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) State Organic Program (SOP) Cost Share information on the CDFA Organic website.
- Complete and sign a CDFA Cost Share Application for certification year
Oct 1, 2009 - Sept 30, 2010. Note: California SOP must receive an original copy of your application - do not photocopy or fax.
- Collect the following documentation: a copy of your organic certificate AND copies of all associated organic certification and inspection expense receipts. If you do not have copies of this documentation, CCOF can assist you – read the tip below on Request for Verification of CCOF Certification Costs 2009-2010.
- Complete Payee Data Record (STD. 204) form. Ensure that the name on this form matches the name on the application in step 2 above.
- Think about when the best time for you to submit your application will be. The maximum reimbursement is $750 or up to 75 percent of organic certification costs including application and certification fees AND inspection costs. Only one application for cost share per year will be accepted per operation. Operations with 2010 certification costs at or above $1000, should apply immediately. Operations with application and/or certification fees below $1000 should consider whether to apply for cost share immediately or to wait until they receive their inspection bill. Remember the application deadline is November 30, 2010.
- Send your completed, signed application to CDFA with all supporting documentation; your organic certificate, proof of fees paid for organic certification and inspection and your Payee Data Record (STD.204). Mail to:
CDFA Organic Program,
Cost Share Reimbursement – Attn: Sharon Parsons,
1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA95814.
DO NOT SEND APPLICATIONS TO CCOF.
For assistance, the following people at CDFA SOP can be contacted Sharon Parsons or Dave Carlson.
Tips To Securing Reimbursement:
- If you need CCOF to provide verification of your fees and/or certification status, please complete the Request for Verification of CCOF Certification Costs 2009-2010 form, (download form in PDF format or Microsoft Word e-form version), and submit by email, fax or mail. CCOF will complete this for you for free and return it to you for inclusion with your CDFA application within 14 days.
- Cost Share applications are approved on a ‘first received and complete, first to get approved’ basis, so we recommend applying as soon as you have the necessary information – don’t delay.
- Use the bullets below as a checklist to avoid common mistakes that may cause your application to be returned and you to lose your place in line. Ensure:
- You fully complete and sign an original copy of the application form - not a photocopy or fax.
- You include ALL necessary paperwork: i) your completed and signed application ii) your organic certificate iii) copies of expense receipts for all certification and inspection fee iv) a Payee Date Record (STD.204) form.
- You send all the above to CDFA marked for the attention of Sharon Parsons at the address above.
- Deadline for receipt of applications is November 30, 2010.
How to get organic certification cost share funds in other states:
For information on how to apply for funds in other states please visit the National Organic Program Certification Cost Share information page. Click on Cost Share Program Participants Contact List on this page for a list of states participating the cost share pgoram. If you have additional questions, please email Claudia Reid, CCOF's policy director.
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