Minnesota organic farmers and processors can apply for a rebate of up to 50% of the cost of their organic certification through the state’s Organic Certification Cost-Share Program.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting applications through Nov. 1.

Organic certification is a third-party verification system. It assures consumers the organic products they buy are produced in accordance with federal organic regulations. Organic operations must follow national organic standards and are monitored through review of their records and on-site inspections at least once a year.

“The yearly cost of certification can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars,” says Patrice Bailey, MDA assistant commissioner. “This program provides some relief and goes a long way to make organic certification more affordable.”

Funds for the cost-share program come from a cooperative agreement with USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Operations that received certification (or had ongoing certification) between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021, are eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% of certification-related expenses.

The maximum rebate available is $500 per category (crops, livestock, processing and handling, wild harvest). The MDA also offers a similar cost-share program for transitioning to organic.

To qualify, applicants must be certified organic by a USDA-accredited certifying agency. The MDA has already mailed application packets to all certified organic operations in the state.

Any certified organic farmer or processor who did not receive a packet can obtain all the program details and necessary materials on the Organic Certification Cost-Share Program page of the MDA’s website or by calling 651-201-6134. Applicants who do not wish to apply with MDA may apply through their local USDA Farm Service Agency office.

Source: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all of its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.