USDA accepting applications to help cover costs for organic certification

U.S. organic producers and handlers can now apply for USDA funds to assist with the cost of receiving or maintaining organic certification, and applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) are due Nov. 1.

According to Zach Ducheneaux, administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency, “USDA is here to help all producers, including those who grow our nation’s organic food and fiber. Many farmers have told us that cost was a barrier to their ability to get an organic certification. By assisting with the costs, this program can help organic farmers get their certification along with the benefits that come with it.” 

A USDA release explained that OCCSP provides “cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of obtaining or maintaining organic certification under the USDA’s National Organic Program.” Eligible producers include “any certified producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent during the 2021 and any subsequent program year.”

In this program, 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, OCCSP will reimburse 50 percent 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

Certified farmers and ranchers may apply through an FSA county office or a participating state agency.  

“This funding will be complemented by an additional $20 million for organic and transitioning producers through the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative,” the release said, adding, “More information on that funding will be available in the coming weeks.

For more information on the organic certification cost share, go to the OCCSP webpage or usda.gov/organic or contact your local USDA Service Center.