National Organic Certification Cost Share Program
What To Know About The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)
Certified organic farms and businesses can get reimbursed up to 75% (up to $750 per scope) for their annual organic certification costs through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Funding is available through 2031. Eligible operators must apply through their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) or state agriculture department. Oregon Tilth can help by providing copies of invoices and certificates.
What Is the Organic Certification Cost Share Program?
The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides financial assistance to organic producers and handlers to reduce the cost of organic certification. The program is funded with $8 million per year through 2031, as part of the most recent federal budget reconciliation legislation.
How Much Does OCCSP Reimburse?
The OCCSP typically reimburses:
- 75% of eligible certification costs,
- Up to $750 per certification scope per year.
Certification Scopes Include:
- Crops
- Livestock
- Handling (Processing/Packaging)
- Wild Crop Harvesting
This means you may be eligible for up to $3,000 in total annual reimbursement if certified in all four scopes.
What Costs Are Covered With The Cost Share Program?
Reimbursable certification expenses include:
- Application fees
- Inspection fees
- User fees and sales assessments
- Postage related to certification
- Fees tied to equivalency agreements (e.g., exports)
- Inspector travel expenses
Note: Certification fees must be paid to a USDA-accredited certifying agent like Oregon Tilth to qualify.
Who Is Eligible To Participate In The Cost Share Program?
You may qualify for reimbursement if you:
- Are a certified organic producer or handler, and
- Have paid certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifier.
Both new applicants and renewing certified operations are eligible.
How Do I Apply To The Cost Share Program?
Once program details are finalized and the funding announcement is made, you can apply through:
- Your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office, or
- A participating state department of agriculture.
More details and application instructions will be shared as soon as they’re available.
How Oregon Tilth Can Help
If you\’re certified by Oregon Tilth, we’re here to support your application. We can:
- Provide copies of invoices for fees paid
- Provide organic certificates (when applicable)
📩 Contact our team at costshare@tilth.org for assistance.
Why Cost Share Matters
Oregon Tilth has long supported the Cost Share Program because it:
- Reduces financial barriers for producers, especially for
- Small and midsize farms
- New and transitioning operations
- Historically underserved communities
We are actively advocating for continued improvements to ensure the program remains accessible and impactful for organic operators nationwide.
Learn more in our Oregon Tilth Cost Share White Paper →