HomeGrown Directory

The USDA has FINALLY amended the cost share program to be retroactive to certifications beginning October, 2007. This means that if you are a farmer who has gotten certified-organic in the past year, you may be eligible for reimbursement.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2008 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced an amendment to its National Organic Certification Cost Assistance program, first announced Sept. 18. USDA has amended the program by changing the start date from Oct. 1, 2008, to Oct. 1, 2007. The change will make funds available to a greater number of eligible persons, achieving Congress' intent that use of cost-share funds begin with Fiscal Year 2008.

The funds are available for producers and handlers of organic agricultural products in any state of the United States of America, its territories, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (hereinafter called states).

The National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program, authorized by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 6523), allocates funds in proportion to the number of organic producers and handlers in each state. The states will reimburse each eligible producer or handler up to 75 percent of its organic certification costs, not to exceed $750.

To be eligible for reimbursement, an organic production or handling operation must be located within a qualified state, comply with USDA National Organic Program regulations for organic production or handling and have received certification or continuation of certification by a USDA-accredited certifying agent.

Additional information is available on the National Organic Program's homepage: www.ams.usda.gov/nop. The docket will be published in the Nov. 10, 2008, Federal Register.

The 2007 Farm Bill provides support for farmers seeking organic certification. In North Carolina, this support comes in the form of a grant to the NCDA&CS from the USDA.

The NCDA&CS will pay 75% of the cost of certification up to a maximum of $750 to the certifying agency for certifications occurring between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009. This assistance is available on a first come, first served basis until funds are depleted.

Full details are available on the NCDA website at http://www.agr.state.nc.us/markets/commodit/horticul/ncorganics/

(Click on the two documents at the bottom of the page for more information.)

Contact Kevin Hardison at 919-733-7887 or Kevin.Hardison@ncmail.net for more information.