Imagine you are a farmer who wants to grow healthy, organic vegetables. You know that being certified organic is important because it shows everyone that your food is grown without harmful chemicals. But, there’s a catch! Getting certified can be expensive. That’s where the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program comes in to help!
What is the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program(OCCSP)?
The USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program, or OCCSP for short, is a special program designed to help farmers and handlers of organic products pay for their certification costs. This means that if you are a farmer who wants to be certified organic, you can get some money back to help cover the costs. The program can pay back up to 75% of your certification costs, but there’s a limit. You can get back up to $750 each year for your certification expenses.
Who Can Apply for USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program
The USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) helps cover the costs of organic certification for certain groups:
Certified Organic Producers These are individuals or businesses that farm or raise livestock organically. They must be certified by a USDA-accredited agent and follow USDA organic standards.
Certified Organic Handlers This includes businesses that process, package, or distribute organic products. Certification must also come from a USDA-accredited agent.
Eligible Areas The program is available in all U.S. states and territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Requirements: Applicants must have incurred certification expenses during the program year. They must maintain their certification status to be eligible for assistance.
How to Apply for USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program(OCCSP)?
Applying for this program is pretty straightforward! Here’s how you can do it:
- Find Your State Agency: You can apply through a state agency or directly at one of the many local USDA offices.
- Fill Out an Application: You will need a simple one-page application form.
- Gather Your Documents: This includes a W-9 tax form, proof of your organic certification, and an itemized invoice showing what you spent on certification.
- Submit Your Application: Make sure to send in everything before the deadline!
What all costs are covered in OCCSP
Covered Costs:
- Application Fees: The fees you pay when applying for organic certification.
- Certification and Inspection Costs: Expenses related to the certification process and the inspection of your farm.
- Sales Assessments, Postage, and Equivalency Fees: Costs associated with sales assessments, mailing documents, and equivalency fees.
- Travel Expenses for Inspectors: Costs incurred when inspectors travel to your location for evaluations.
Non-Covered Costs:
- Equipment, Materials, and Supplies: Purchases of tools or materials needed for farming are not reimbursable.
- Transitional Certification or Late Fees: Fees related to transitional certification or penalties for late submissions are not eligible.
- Costs for Addressing Regulatory Violations: Any expenses incurred to resolve issues related to regulatory violations are not covered.
Percentage and Cap:
- Up to 75% of eligible costs, capped at $750 per certification scope.
- Certification scopes include crops, livestock, wild crops, handling, and state organic program fees.
Example Calculations:
- If total eligible costs are $1,000, reimbursement is $750 (capped).
- For $500 in costs, reimbursement is $375 (75%).
Why Is This Program Important?
The OCCSP is really important because it helps farmers who want to grow organic food but may struggle with the costs involved in getting certified. Organic farming is not just good for the farmers; it’s also great for our planet and our health! By supporting these farmers, we encourage more people to choose organic products.
Important Dates
If you want to apply for help with costs from the previous year (like from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024), make sure you submit your application by October 31, 2024.