Certified organic producers and handlers can now apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which helps producers and handlers cover the cost of organic certification, along with other related expenses. The last day to submit Applications for OCCSP is October 31, 2023, but may be submitted at any time beginning Monday, May 15 to FSA, and as soon as they are available at NYSDAM.
Reimbursement Rates
Certified operations may receive up to 75 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $750 per certification scope for costs incurred between Oct. 1, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2023.
Eligible Costs
Eligible costs include application fees for each organic category (crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling), inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement/arrangement requirements, travel/per diem for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments, and postage.
How to Apply
NY producers and handlers will be able to apply through the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets this summer. Applications will be mailed and posted when available on the Department website. With questions, please contact organic@agriculture.ny.gov
Producers and handlers in any state may apply now by contacting the Farm Service Agency (FSA) at your local USDA Service Center. Be ready to provide documentation of organic certification and eligible expenses.