Certified organic producers and handlers can now apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). OCCSP helps producers and handlers cover the cost of organic certification and related expenses. The last day to submit applications for OCCSP is November 1, 2023.
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 can apply through the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets. Applications are available here. 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.
The last day to submit applications for OCCSP is November 1, 2023.