Agricultural News
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification
Wed, 18 Aug 2021 08:56:37 CDT
In a press release, the USDA announced financial assistance is set to become available for organic producers and handlers. Those folks can apply now for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications are due November 1, 2021.
"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," said Zach Ducheneaux, administrator of USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). "By assisting with the costs, this program can help organic farmers get their certification along with the benefits that come with it."
The release states 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. 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% 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
- state organic program fees
- organic 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. More information on that funding will be available in the coming weeks.
To learn more about organic certification cost share, please visit the?OCCSP webpage, visit usda.gov/organic or contact your local USDA Service Center.
To read the press release, click or tap here.
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