Summary: The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has $135,000 in cost-share funding to reimburse growers for up to 75% of the certification costs per category. The deadline to apply is Oct. 31. Growers are encouraged to apply early.
The application period is open now for organic growers to apply for cost-share funding for reimbursement of up to 75% of the costs to become certified or recertified.
We received $135,000 from USDA this year for this cost-share program, and organic growers are eligible to apply for reimbursement of a portion of their certification costs per category.
There are four categories. They are crops, livestock, wild crop and handler/processor. The maximum reimbursement per category is $750.
This is a good program for organic growers, and I encourage them to apply early even though the deadline is Oct. 31 because the funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The program will cover growers who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024.
Growers will need to submit a completed application, detailed invoices or statements from the certifying agency that lists all the National Organic Program certified costs, proof of payment, a substitute W-9 form and a copy of your certificate.
All charges must be for USDA organic certification.
You can find the application online through our Marketing Division webpage under the marketing-grading services link. Then click on the Organic link.
Growers can also apply through their local Farm Service Agency office.