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In 2022 there are two Cost Share Programs, The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) and  The Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP). Combining both programs will allow you to receive reimbursement of 75% of the cost of certification up to $750 and access reimbursement for other expenses.

The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) helps certified operators afford the expense of organic certification. In 2022, the program will refund up to 50 percent, or a maximum of $500, of certification costs per “scope” — crop, livestock, wild crop, and handling — for eligible organic operations. Producers can be reimbursed for expenses made between Oct. 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022 including application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, travel expenses for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments and postage.  Recipients must be certified organic under the National Organic Program to receive cost share assistance. 

Apply today!  Applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program funds are due October 31st. Funds are limited and applications are paid on a first-come, first served basis.

2022 COST SHARE FACT SHEET

Additional Cost Share, Support for Education and Transition

In 2022 there is an accompanying, but separate program that provides additional funding to cover certification expenses.  The Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP) provides a reimbursement of 25% of the costs of certification up to $250 per scope. In combination with the Organic Certification Cost Share Program, certified operations can receive a reimbursement of 75% up to $750 per scope.  

This additional program also provides reimbursement for other costs: 

– Expenses for producers transitioning (75% up to $750)
– Registration fees for educational events (75% up to $200)
– Soil testing (75% up to $100)

How to Apply 

Producers and handlers may apply to USDA FSA county offices.

Applications for both the Organic Certification Cost Share Program and Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program are due October 31st.  

Don’t wait until the last minute!  You can apply anytime after you have reached the maximum funding level.  

To apply through FSA, you can find an FSA county office near you. 

State agencies that choose to also offer Organic Certification Cost Share (only the 50% up to $500 program, states are not able to administer the additional program) will begin processing applications soon.  Check back here or contact your state directly for more updates.  Contact information for state programs is available here.

State agencies may have a different application process than FSA; applicants should refer to their State agency’s requirements and ensure they are using the correct application form. 

Applicants cannot receive duplicate benefits from both FSA and a State agency.

Applicants must typically submit an application form, proof of certification and an itemized invoice of certification expenses.

Oregon Tilth is happy to provide copies of invoices for fees paid and certificates (when applicable) for the clients we certify. Contact us at costshare@tilth.org for assistance.