Farmers: You don’t have to wait for a renewal certificate to get your cost share!
For many growers, the annual costs associated with organic certification can be a major hurdle. However, financial assistance is available through the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program to cover up to 75% of certification costs, or up to $750. This federal program is administered by each state’s Department of Agriculture, is non-competitive and offered on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. Reimbursement includes all documented National Organic Program (NOP) certification costs incurred between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015.