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Organic certification cost-share funds

Approximately $13 million in Farm Bill funding is now available for organic certification cost-share assistance.  The money will be distributed through two Ag Marketing Service programs to organic producers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. Territories.

These programs provide cost-share assistance to USDA certified organic producers and handlers for certification-related expenses they incur from October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014. Payments cover up to 75 percent of an individual producer’s or handler’s certification costs, up to a maximum of $750 per certification.

To receive cost-share assistance, organic producers and handlers should contact their state agencies. Each state will have their own guidelines and requirements for reimbursement. State contact information can be found on the NOP Cost Share Website, www.ams.usda.gov/NOPCostSharing.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has mailed the application forms to certified Wisconsin producers and processors, who can expect to receive them in the mail by Aug. 1. Forms also will be available on DATCP’s website and from DATCP staff. The deadline to apply is November 15^th.  Send complete application forms Juli Speck at DATCP.