Organic Certification Cost Share Programs

The Organic Certification Cost Share Programs provide financial assistance to organic farmers and handlers to help offset the costs of obtaining and maintaining organic certification. The programs are administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and are available to State Agencies in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and 5 U.S. Territories. The programs aim to defray the costs of receiving and maintaining organic certification, and eligible applicants can receive reimbursement for up to 50% of their certification costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $500 per certification scope. Key aspects of the program include: * Eligible applicants: State Agencies in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and 5 U.S. Territories * Eligible costs: Certification costs, including State Organic Program fees and the four scopes defined by the USDA National Organic Program regulations (crops, livestock, wild crops, and handler/processor) * Reimbursement: Up to 50% of certification costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $500 per certification scope * Application process: State Agencies must submit an application through Grants.gov, including a completed SF-424 and other required documents * Reporting requirements: State Agencies must submit financial and performance reports to FSA, including a narrative report and a spreadsheet of operations reimbursed.