The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced that approximately $13 million is available for organic certification cost-share assistance, making certification more accessible for certified producers and handlers.
USDA invites States to submit their applications for Federal assistance for organic certification cost-share funds. Once funds have been distributed to the States, organic producers and handlers will apply directly through their State contact.
"The 2014 Farm Bill has given USDA new tools and resources to support the growing $35 billion organic industry," said AMS Administrator Anne Alonzo. "Consumer demand for certified organic products is strong and growing. These investments will help more organic farmers succeed and help grow the economy in rural communities across the country."
The certification assistance is distributed through two programs. Through the Agricultural Management Assistance Organic Certification Cost-Share Program, $1.4 million is available to organic operations in Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Through the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program, $11.5 million is available to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. Territories.
These programs provide cost-share assistance through participating States to USDA certified organic producers and handlers for certification-related expenses they incur from October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014. Payments will be up to 75 percent of an individual producer's certification costs, up to a maximum of $750 per certification.
Eligible States interested in obtaining cost-share funds must submit an application for Federal assistance and sign a grant agreement via www.grants.gov by June 20, 2014. Paper applications will not be accepted.
State personnel are encouraged to contact Dana Stahl, Organic Certification Cost Share Program Manager, for more information. Additional information about cost share programs and organic certification are available on the National Organic Program's website.
