The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) allocated more than $7 million for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) nationwide. The OCCSP is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides organic producers and handlers with financial assistance to reduce the cost of organic certification. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) was awarded a total of $109,250 for the 2022 funding year.

“We encourage Oregon’s organic producers and handlers to get their applications in as soon as possible, funds are limited, and applications are paid on a first-come, first served basis,” said Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Alexis Taylor. “Every cost advantage is needed when competing in the marketplace and ODA is pleased to provide an option to organic producers when applying for the cost share program.”

The Oregon OCCSP application and instructions are available online. Applicants can apply through ODA or a local FSA office. Congress authorizes the USDA to provide organic certification cost-share assistance to Oregon producers or handlers who have paid eligible costs from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022. In addition, Oregon producers or handlers that receive certification from a USDA accredited certifier are eligible to receive reimbursement for 50% of eligible certification fees, up to a maximum of $500 per annual certification scope.

Related: Funds available for farmers considering organic

Completed applications and all necessary documents with proof of payment between Oct. 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022, must be submitted by Dec. 15, 2022. For completed applications, please allow 3-4 weeks to receive reimbursement.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is a USDA-accredited certifying agent for organic crop production and handling/processing. The purpose of the OCCSP is to reimburse organic operations for specific organic certification costs. Oregon is fourth in the nation in sales of certified commodities.

For more information, visit the ODA Organic Cost Share Reimbursement webpage or contact the OCCSP by emailing [email protected] or 503-986-6473.

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