Cost Share Reimbursement Funds Still Available for Organic Producers

The USDA Organic Cost Share Reimbursement Program was approved by Congress and funds were made available through the USDA to applicant states. We want you to know that there is still opportunity to take advantage of these funds.

**The deadline for most participating states is: October 31, 2011. Please check with your state's department of agriculture to confirm this date.

Here is a link to find participating states: Organic Cost Share Reimbursement Program

Growers and Handlers certified by USDA accredited certifiers between October 1, 2010 and September 30, 2011 are eligible to receive reimbursement for up to 75% of certification fees, with a maximum reimbursement of $750 per qualifying year per certification service!  For example, if you are certified to three different certification services, you can be reimbursed up to 75% for each one, up to $750.

There is no guarantee that funds will be available. Reimbursements will be issued on a first-come-first served basis until the money runs out.

To request reimbursement you must:

• Complete an application and a W-9 form.
• Include your paid invoice for certification fees along with a copy of your organic certificate.

**These documents must show payment(s) and certification for the same year.

If you need help with any of these documents, we are happy to help provide them.  We want to be sure that our certified organic operators take advantage of these funds to help with the expenses of certification.  We understand the economic challenges our operators face and want to be sure you are able to receive these funds.  Use of these funds annually will also help ensure that your state can continue to receive these funds in the future.