Press release from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) this week indicates that as of 3/20/2017 organic producers can apply with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for funds to cover up to 75% of the cost of organic certification. FSA Administrator Val Dolcini stated,
“This will provide a more uniform, streamlined process nationwide. It will give organic producers a chance to learn about other valuable USDA resources, such as farm loans and conservation assistance that can help them succeed.”
If you are a certified organics producers who has paid organic or transitional certification fees, you may apply. With the FSA proving up to $750 to cover up to 75% of the cost of application fees. Meaning this would cover the inspection costs and any fees related to equivalency agreement. Example: arrangement requirements, travel/per diem for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments and postage. To learn more about organic certification cost share, please visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/organic or contact a local FSA office by visiting http://offices.usda.gov.