Organic Certification Cost Share
The 2023 Organic Cost Share Reimbursement has opened for producers and handlers to apply for.
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (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.
Guidelines and Uses
Eligible producers include any certified producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent during the 2023 and any subsequent program year.
Producers can be reimbursed for expenses made between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023, including application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, travel expenses for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments, and postage.
Funding
This year the Farm Service Agency increased the cost share amount, which helps organic producers cover organic certification costs, to the maximum amount allowed by statute.
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) as part of USDA's broader effort to support organic producers and in response USDA/FSA will cover up to 75% of costs associated with organic certification, up to $750 maximum for each of the following categories (or "scopes"): crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling.
DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 15, 2023
How to Apply
Utilize the letter and application templates and submit via email.
Contact
Michele Brookins
717-787-5319
RA-AgBusiness@pa.gov