USDA organic cost share program offers up to $750 per certification scope

Certified organic producers and handlers can receive assistance covering up to 75% of eligible certification expenses through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), with payments capped at $750 per certification scope.

The program is available to producers and handlers that paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent while obtaining or renewing certification under the National Organic Program (NOP).

OCCSP provides up to $750 for each eligible certification category: crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling and state organic program fees. A scope must appear on the operation’s organic certificate to qualify.

Eligible expenses include application and administrative fees, inspection fees and related inspector travel costs, certification expenses needed to access international markets covered by equivalency agreements or arrangements, state organic program fees, user fees, sale assessments and postage associated with certification or renewal.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 and 2026 program years is Dec. 31, 2026.

Producers and handlers applying through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) should work with their local USDA Service Center and provide documentation of their organic certification and eligible expenses. Applications also may be available through participating state agencies.

FSA is expected to announce a 30-day application period for state agencies interested in administering OCCSP. In participating states, certified operations may apply through either the state agency or an FSA county office, but they cannot receive payments for the same certification scope from both.