Organic Certification Cost Share Programs
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The objective of Organic Certification Cost Share Programs (OCCSP) is to provide cost share assistance to producers and handlers who are obtaining organic certification for the first time or renewing their previous certification.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Unrestricted by Entity Type
- Unrestricted by Individual Type
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
State Agencies are eligible to establish an agreement to administer the program within their State.
To be eligible for cost share payments, a producer or handler must possess USDA organic certification at the time of application and have paid fees/expenses related to its initial certification or renewal of its certification from a certifying agent. FSA county offices accept applications directly from producers and handlers.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Allocations are awarded to State Departments of Agriculture or their equivalents based on the number of certified organic operations in the State, as well as the history of participation in the cost share program by certified organic operations in that State.
Payments to eligible operations for fiscal year 2024 will be calculated as 75 percent of the allowable costs incurred by an eligible operation, not to exceed a maximum of $750 per certification scope.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 1 to 15 days
Program details & compliance
Description
Organic certification is obtained through certifying agents accredited by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).
Mission Categories
Primary: Production and Operation
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
The Organic Certification Cost Share Programs reimburse eligible producers and handlers for a portion of the costs of organic certification. Applicants may receive reimbursements of up to 75% of the costs of certification, with an annual maximum of $750 for fiscal year 2024.
State agencies (typically Departments of Agriculture) work with the USDA to administer the program. After entering into a grant agreement, the state agencies process applications for cost share funds from certified organic producers and handlers, and the USDA reimburses them. FSA will also process applications through FSA county offices. Applicants typically submit a one-page application form, along with proof of certification and an itemized invoice, to their State’s department of agriculture or an FSA county office.
Reporting & Compliance
Formula
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