USDA Announces Cost Sharing for Organic Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says organic producers can head to one of 2,100 Farm Service Agency offices on March 20, 2017, and apply for financial help to assist with the cost of receiving or maintaining current organic or transitional certification. FSA Administrator Val Dolcini says, “USDA is committed to helping the organic sector grow through a wide variety of programs. That’s why, on March 20, producers can head to their FSA offices and apply for reimbursements of up to 75 percent of cost share certification.” He says this provides a more streamlined application process around the nation and will give organic producers a chance to learn more about the various USDA assistance programs, including farm loans and conservation assistance. USDA hopes these changes will encourage more producers to sign up for the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program, as well as the Agricultural Management Assistance Organic Certification Cost-Share Program. These changes should also provide organic producers an opportunity to access a full range of USDA programs, such as disaster protection and loans for farms, facilities, and marketing. Eligible producers include any certified producers or handlers who’s paid organic or transitional certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent.